B antigen transfusions may raise allergy risk
Overview
Patients with blood type O receiving B or AB plasma or platelets showed a significantly higher risk of allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) in regions with high alpha-gal syndrome prevalence. The study analyzed 558,823 transfusions across multiple countries, revealing a risk ratio of 3.93 for ATRs in high-prevalence areas compared to low-prevalence areas, as reported by the study authors.
Background
Understanding the risks associated with blood transfusions is critical for patient safety, particularly in regions with varying prevalence of conditions like alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) can complicate transfusion therapy, and identifying risk factors is essential. This study highlights the association between blood type, transfusion products, and ATRs, particularly in patients with blood type O.
Data Highlights
| Cluster Type | Risk Ratio (RR) | ATR Rate per 10,000 Transfusions |
|---|---|---|
| High AGS Prevalence | 3.93 | 5 additional ATRs |
| Low AGS Prevalence | Not statistically significant | No excess ATRs |
Key Findings
- Patients with blood type O receiving B or AB products had 3.93 times the risk of ATRs in high AGS prevalence areas.
- In high AGS prevalence areas, B products were associated with 4.48 times the risk of ATRs compared to O products.
- Moderate to severe ATRs were 9.14 times more likely among blood type O patients receiving B products in high AGS prevalence areas.
- No excess ATRs were observed in patients with blood type B receiving B or AB products.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians in regions with high AGS prevalence should be aware of the increased risk of ATRs associated with B and AB plasma or platelets in blood type O patients.
Conclusion
This study provides epidemiologic evidence suggesting that transfusion-related alpha-gal syndrome may represent a newly recognized risk for recipients of blood transfusions.
Related Resources & Content
- Kaufman RM, et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2026 -- Epidemiologic Study of Transfusion-Related Alpha-Gal Syndrome
- AABB and ICTMG, JAMA, 2025 -- Platelet Transfusion: 2025 AABB and ICTMG International Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Bone Marrow Transplantation — ABO Blood Group Antigens, Alemtuzumab, and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
- MDSpire News — High Allergen Reactivity Uncovered in Patients With Asthma
- MDSpire News — Penicillin Allergy Label? Or Antibiotic Overuse?
- Frontiers in Pediatrics — Omalizumab for severe IgE-mediated food allergy and severe asthma after pediatric liver transplantation: a case report
- Epidemiologic Study of Transfusion-Related Alpha-Gal Syndrome | Bleeding and Transfusion | JAMA Internal Medicine | JAMA Network
- Platelet Transfusion: 2025 AABB and ICTMG International Clinical Practice Guidelines | Bleeding and Transfusion | JAMA | JAMA Network
- MMWR, Volume 75, Issue 25 — July 2, 2026
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
