The Correlation of Allergic Rhinitis with ABO Phenotype

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent condition with complex pathophysiology.
• Understanding genetic predispositions, such as ABO blood groups, can offer insights into disease variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between ABO phenotypes and allergic rhinitis.
• To compare findings with existing literature on ABO blood group associations with AR.

Main Methods:

• A clinic-based observational study involving 100 AR patients and 100 age/gender-matched controls.
• ABO phenotypes were determined using the hemagglutination technique.
• Clinical history, examination, and relevant investigations were performed.

Main Results:

• Phenotype O was significantly more prevalent in AR patients (52%) compared to controls (p=0.001).
• Male patients showed a statistically significant association with blood groups B (OR 5.33) and O (OR 3.63).
• Blood group O phenotype of the ABO histo-blood group system is associated with AR.

Conclusions:

• The O blood group phenotype is associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis.
• ABO phenotyping may serve as a simple, cost-effective tool for identifying individuals susceptible to AR.
• Findings contribute to understanding AR pathophysiology and clinical variability, potentially improving prevention and diagnostic strategies.