Can Rh-negative individuals be affected by Ebola?

Whenever there's an outbreak of a virus or disease, it's not unusual for conspiracy theories, false treatments, and sometimes harmful misinformation to spread. A great deal of online talk surrounding the Ebola virus, especially during the 2014 outbreak, has revolved around blood types — particularly Rh-negative blood. The theory suggests that people with Rh-negative blood are naturally immune to viruses like Ebola. We’ve investigated this theory to distinguish fact from fiction and uncover its origins.

Let’s begin with the basics: blood types. Every individual has distinct markers in their red blood cells, known as antigens. These markers help identify our cells to our body and alert us to potential threats. There are four primary blood groups, each with its own unique marker: A, B, AB, and O.

In addition to these four blood types, some people carry an extra marker, the "Rh factor." The term Rh comes from the word "rhesus." If you possess the Rh marker, you're classified as Rh-positive. Rh-positive blood is more common than Rh-negative, with around 85 percent of Caucasians being Rh-positive, and even higher percentages among African, Asian, and Native American populations [source: Penn State Hershey]. If the Rh marker is absent, you're considered Rh-negative, a much rarer condition.

Having a genetic marker in your blood doesn't really affect your health in any significant way. The only time the Rh factor becomes important is during pregnancy. If you're Rh-positive and the father is Rh-negative, there's no reason for concern. Similarly, if both you and the father are Rh-negative, there's nothing to worry about either.

However, if you're Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, blood incompatibility can occur between you and the fetus [source: Penn State Hershey]. If Rh-positive blood (from the fetus) enters your bloodstream, your body might produce antibodies that can attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to conditions ranging from anemia to more serious health issues. While this was once a significant risk, today, a vaccine can prevent the mother’s blood cells from attacking the fetus.

The reason for having this extra antigen is still a mystery, just like why some people have Type A blood and others have Type B. Geneticist Khameeka Kitt suggests that these differences likely stem from ordinary DNA mutations that have occurred over evolutionary time. She also points out a theory that Rh-negative individuals may have a greater resistance to the Toxoplasma parasite, but for now, this is just a theory.

The reality is that we still have much to learn about the Rh factor, and being "more resistant" doesn't mean being "immune." Nonetheless, a few people claim to have found the answer to the Rh factor mystery, though their conclusions are, well, quite extraordinary.

The Rh-negative Immunity Theory

For some, there is a certain mystery surrounding Rh-negative blood. Some believe that lacking the Rh (or rhesus) factor could mean a cosmic origin. These individuals often think that Rh-negative people have higher IQs and are more "in tune" with the universe. They also point to the Rh incompatibility issue, which can cause a mother’s body to reject a fetus. There are even claims that Rh-negative individuals are more likely to experience alien abductions. Some of those who identify with the so-called "Rh bloodline" believe they may descend from a union between humans and aliens millions of years ago. This idea led to the theory that people with Rh-negative blood may be immune to viruses like Ebola.

Stay with us here.

These ideas may stem from a misinterpretation of a study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine. The study discusses the role of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene set in the immune system, which helps protect the body from viruses and other threats. Dr. Peter Parham, who led the study, suggested that as human ancestors began migrating out of Africa around 65,000 years ago, they interbred with other ancient human species like Neanderthals and Denisovans. This interbreeding led to the development of specific HLA antigen variants that strengthened their immune systems. However, those whose ancestors remained in Africa did not receive this advantage [sources: Abi-Rached et al., Choi].

Some argue that the deadliest viruses are found in Africa and remain there because its inhabitants lack the genetic ability to defend against them. However, this is a rather vague correlation. The Rh-negative factor is relevant because very few people of African descent have Rh-negative blood. The claim is that our ancestors who migrated out of Africa developed Rh-negative blood due to interbreeding with other ancient groups. Supporters of the Rh-negative gene theory refer to this as "a gift from our Neanderthal ancestors and God," believing that Rh-negative individuals possess a unique ability to fight viral infections [source: Rh Negative Blood Type Secrets].

Nearly every website promoting the link between Rh-negative blood and the ability to combat deadly viruses includes this paragraph:

However, while our research uncovered a Dr. Randy Johnson at Baylor College of Medicine, we found no evidence that he made these claims. Even if he did make such a statement, it doesn't imply that this gene grants immunity to any deadly or serious virus.

And there's more. Some argue that being Rh-negative, and therefore lacking rhesus, or "monkey," blood (their terminology, not ours), makes them naturally immune to viruses like Ebola because the virus is carried by monkeys. The flaw in this argument is that Ebola is also carried by fruit bats, porcupines, and other animals.

Our perspective? According to science, no one is naturally immune to any virus. Some individuals may have stronger immune systems due to genetics or autoimmune conditions, but the claim that a specific blood type offers immunity? We’ll go ahead and say "no" to that one.