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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
The association of ABO and Rhesus blood type with the risks of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection: A meta-analysis
K-M Soo1, K M Chung2, M A A Mohd Azlan2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Insights
Individuals with blood group A and AB have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. This meta-analysis highlights the association between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to the virus, urging cautious care for these populations.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a significant global health challenge due to its virulence.
- Emerging research suggests a link between ABO and Rhesus blood types and COVID-19 susceptibility.
- Inconsistent findings across studies necessitate a comprehensive meta-analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between ABO and Rhesus blood types and COVID-19 infection susceptibility.
- To determine the odds ratio of COVID-19 infection across different blood groups.
- To conduct subgroup analyses and evaluate publication bias and study quality.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of existing studies on ABO and Rhesus blood types and COVID-19.
- Calculation of odds ratios for COVID-19 infection based on blood type.
- Subgroup analyses by age, gender, blood group antigens, and Rhesus factor.
- Assessment of publication bias and study quality using QUADAS-2.
Main Results:
- Blood group A showed a statistically significant increased odds ratio for COVID-19 infection (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.24).
- Blood group AB also demonstrated a significant increased odds ratio after excluding studies with lower QUADAS-2 scores.
- These findings indicate a higher likelihood of infection for individuals with blood groups A and AB.
Conclusions:
- Populations with blood group A and AB are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection.
- Individuals with blood group A and AB should exercise increased precautions against COVID-19.
- Further research may explore the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Abstract:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading like a wildfire everywhere in the globe. It has been challenging the global health care system ever since the end of 2019, with its virulence and pathogenicity. Recent studies have shown the association between ABO blood group, Rhesus blood type and susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Various studies and few meta-analyses have been done and some might be inconsistent; therefore, this meta-analysis was done to assess the relationship between different ABO and Rhesus blood types on the susceptibility to COVID-19 infections. This meta-analysis assessed the odds ratio of COVID-19 infection of different ABO and Rhesus blood types. Subgroup analyses according to (1) age and gender matched; (2) different blood group antigens; (3) Rhesus positive and negative of each blood group were carried out. Publication bias and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) were also done to assess the risk of bias in these publications. It was found that blood group A showed significant difference in odds ratio of COVID-19 infection (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.24). Blood group AB showed significant difference in odds ratio when studies with lower QUADAS-2 score were removed. This means that populations with blood group A and AB are more likely to be infected with COVID-19. As there is a higher tendency that blood group A and AB to be infected with COVID- 19, precautious care should be taken by these populations.
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