World's First CRIB Blood Group Found in Indian Woman

TDT | Manama

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A 38-year-old woman from Karnataka’s Kolar district has become the first person in the world to be identified with a previously unknown blood group antigen, now officially named CRIB. The discovery marks a significant advancement in the field of immunohematology and blood transfusion safety.

The rare blood type came to light when the woman was admitted for cardiac surgery. Though initially categorized as O Rh-positive, one of the most common blood groups, doctors found that her blood was incompatible with all available O-positive donor units. The unexpected immune response prompted further investigation, leading the hospital to escalate the case to the Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre and subsequently to the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) in the United Kingdom.

“Her blood was panreactive—reacting with every donor sample tested,” explained Dr. Ankit Mathur from the Rotary Centre. “Despite testing 20 family members, we found no compatible match. This clearly indicated the presence of a rare or previously unidentified antigen.”

Despite the critical situation, her surgery was completed without a transfusion. Her blood samples were then subjected to advanced serological and molecular analysis at the IBGRL in Bristol.

Following ten months of in-depth research, experts identified a new antigen within the Cromer (CR) blood group system. In recognition of its origin, the antigen was named CRIB, with “CR” representing Cromer and “IB” standing for India, Bangalore.

The groundbreaking finding was officially unveiled at the 35th Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) held in Milan, Italy, in June 2025.

To further support individuals with rare or newly discovered blood groups, the Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre has now launched a Rare Donor Registry in collaboration with Karnataka State Blood Transfusion Council, ICMR’s IIH Mumbai, and international experts from the ISBT.

“India continues to be at the forefront of rare blood group research,” Dr. Mathur added. “We have previously documented cases like Rh null and In b negative, and now CRIB puts us on the global map of transfusion medicine innovation.”

Rare blood types such as CRIB present serious challenges in emergency transfusions, organ transplants, and complex surgical procedures. The identification of such antigens not only enhances global transfusion safety but also strengthens cross-border collaboration in diagnostics, donor matching, and healthcare preparedness.

This pioneering discovery reinforces India’s growing role in medical research and sets a new benchmark in patient care, especially for those with complex or rare immunohematological profiles.