hemaglutinación

Hemaglutinación is a biological process where red blood cells clump together. This clumping, known as agglutination, occurs when a substance, called a hemagglutinin, bridges multiple red blood cells. Hemagglutinins can be proteins found on the surface of viruses or bacteria, or they can be antibodies present in the blood.

In the context of viral infections, many viruses possess hemagglutinin proteins on their surface. When these viruses come into contact with red blood cells, the viral hemagglutinin binds to specific receptors on the red blood cell surface. If there are enough virus particles, they can link together multiple red blood cells, causing them to form visible aggregates. This phenomenon is a key diagnostic tool for identifying certain viral infections, such as influenza.

Hemaglutinación can also be induced by antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens. Some antibodies can bind to the surface of red blood cells. If an individual has antibodies that recognize antigens on their own red blood cells, or if they receive a blood transfusion with incompatible blood types, these antibodies can cross-link red blood cells, leading to agglutination. This is the basis for blood typing and cross-matching procedures to prevent transfusion reactions. The absence or presence of specific antigens on red blood cells, and the corresponding antibodies in the serum, determine blood compatibility.