Turning universal O into rare Bombay type blood.

Red blood cell antigens play critical roles in blood transfusion since donor incompatibilities can be lethal. Recipients with the rare total deficiency in H antigen, the O Bombay phenotype, can only be transfused with group O blood to avoid serious transfusion reactions. We discover FucOB from the mucin-degrading bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila as an α-1,2-fucosidase able to hydrolyze Type I, Type II, Type III and Type V H antigens to obtain the afucosylated Bombay phenotype in vitro.

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic Purpura diagnosed during first trimester of pregnancy with excellent outcome after plasma exchange and rituximab, a case report.

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a life-threatening condition that rarely presents during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment with plasma exchange is needed to achieve a good pregnancy outcome.