Rh-negative blood is a very rare blood variety. Although most people are a certain blood type (A, B, AB, O) and Rh positive, those with Rh-negative blood share some interesting and strange characteristics.
- Rh-negative blood is a very rare blood variety.
- Although most people are a certain blood type (A, B, AB, O) and Rh positive, those with Rh-negative blood share some interesting and strange characteristics.
Description
Rh, or Rhesus, is a protein that is on the red blood cell surface of most individuals. People who have the protein are Rh positive, while not having it makes them Rh negative.
Pregnancy
A Rh negative pregnant woman with an Rh positive foetus has the risk of her baby dying. This is from damage to the baby's erythrocytes.
Race
Rh-factor protein is divided among races. Fifteen per cent of whites are Rh negative, 5 to 10 per cent of African Americans are Rh negative, and 1 to 2 per cent of Asians are negative for the protein.
Blood Distribution
Rh-positive blood is most commonly distributed through the population. Rh-negative numbers are 7 per cent for blood type O, 6 per cent for blood type A, and 2 per cent for blood types B and 1 per cent for type AB.
Highest Rh negative Rate
Those with the highest Rh-negative rate are a branch of people in Europe called the Basques. Basques have almost double the European rate (which is abnormally high to begin with) of Rh-negative people.
Fun Fact
A higher percentage of Rh-negative people claim to have been abducted by aliens than that of Rh-positive people.