Can a monkey with O+ blood donate blood to human with O+ blood?

Answer 1

The compatibility of blood transfusions is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens can vary between different species. When blood from one species is transfused into another species, there is a high risk of an immune response and rejection of the transfused blood. The immune system recognizes the foreign antigens as "non-self" and mounts an immune response against them. This immune response can lead to severe reactions, including organ damage and even death. Therefore, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions, it is crucial to match blood types within the same species.

Answer 2

Hi Krugen!

This answer is not as clear cut as you would hope it would be. Monkeys are very similar genetically to humans (98.7% similar) and so have very similar blood to humans. Especially if they are identical blood types, it should have the highest chances. It is also beneficial since it is O type blood which means they lack the A and B antigens that make our blood types A and B which decreases the odds of rejection by the human.

However, this is where the tricky part comes in. Technically, our blood is very similar. However, this is not a very fleshed out relationship and so monkey blood has a decent chance of having an antigen on it that scientists have not found. What this means is that it is possible that our body may find something else on the blood cells that will make us reject it, not just within the A, B, O classification system. My personal guess without any primary research done myself on the matter is that it will work in a majority of humans, but the odds of rejection will be significantly higher than if it was O+ from another human.

Please respond with any questions and comments! Have a nice day!