Scientists in Iraq have discovered for the first time a link between blood type and autism
Follow-up - INA
The head of the Department of Mental Health at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of the Iraqi Society for Psychotherapy, Iraqi scientist Adel Abdul Rahman Siddiq Al-Salihi, has achieved an unprecedented scientific achievement on the global level by publishing a pioneering scientific study in one of the most prestigious international scientific journals, Scientific Reports, a journal affiliated with the Nature Foundation, which is ranked among the top 100 globally (Q1).
This study, titled (Correlations between blood group and Rh factor in families and autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis), is the first of its kind globally to address the relationship between blood types (especially AB+) and the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results of the study showed a clear protective association between the AB+ blood type and a reduced risk of developing autism, opening new research horizons toward using this blood type as a preventative biological indicator or even an entry point for innovative therapeutic research.
The research relied on a comprehensive analysis of data from 2,390 participants, including children with autism, children with other developmental disorders, and normal children and their parents. The data was processed using machine learning algorithms, complex statistical analyses, and logistic regression to uncover hidden patterns in the relationship between autism and genetic blood factors.
The results showed that the AB+ blood type represents a statistically protective factor against autism, while no significant differences were recorded for other blood types or the Rh factor.
The research underwent a rigorous scientific review by seven international referees, a rare number in the world of scientific publishing, reflecting the accuracy and originality of the hypothesis and the depth of the analysis. The research received clear praise from all reviewers, who recognized its methodological strength, the originality of its approach, and its scientific boldness in proposing a new hypothesis. It was accepted for publication without any further revisions.
This discovery opens new doors to understanding the immunological and genetic aspects of autism. It may be used in the future to develop early diagnostic tests, or even treatments based on markers derived from AB+ blood plasma. It also represents a first step towards establishing a clear biological signature for autism that supports personalized medicine and early treatment.
Dr. Al-Salihi said in a statement followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "This discovery was not a coincidence. Rather, it is the result of years of intensive research and the development of a comprehensive scientific theory. We hope that this work will contribute to placing Iraq on the map of major medical discoveries and confirm the ability of Iraqi minds to innovate in the most complex fields of medicine, genetics, and brain sciences." He noted that "this discovery is a scientific message from Iraq to the world, that we are capable of competing and leading despite the challenges."
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