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A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Blood group phenotyping and associated sepsis across childhood stages: A case-control study
Howaida M Hagag1, Maha M Bakhuraysah1, Mustafa A Alswat2
1Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Pediatric patients with the AB blood group show increased susceptibility to Gram-negative bacilli and multidrug-resistant strains in sepsis. Further research is needed to understand blood group phenotypes
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunogenetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Sepsis is a leading cause of death in children, but the role of blood group phenotypes in infection risk is unclear.
- Blood group antigens can serve as receptors for microbes, potentially influencing infection susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ABO and Rh blood group phenotypes and sepsis risk in pediatric patients.
- To identify specific pathogens linked to blood group phenotypes in pediatric sepsis cases.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 302 pediatric patients (60 sepsis cases, 242 controls).
- Blood group phenotyping (ABO, Rh, Kell), complete blood count, blood cultures, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed.
Main Results:
- Blood group O was most prevalent (55.3%), followed by A (24.8%), B (15.6%), and AB (4.3%).
- A significant association was found between the AB blood group and increased susceptibility to Gram-negative bacilli and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains.
- Gram-positive cocci were the most common pathogens, followed by Gram-negative bacilli and Candida species.
Conclusions:
- The AB blood group phenotype is associated with a higher risk of specific infections, including those caused by Gram-negative bacilli and MDR strains, in pediatric sepsis.
- These findings suggest a potential role for blood group in pediatric infection susceptibility, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
Variations in blood group antigens may influence susceptibility to infections, as certain antigens can act as microbial receptors. Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations; however, the relationship between blood group phenotypes and infection risk is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the association between blood group phenotypes and sepsis across different pediatric age groups. A case-control study was conducted involving 302 pediatric patients, including 60 with sepsis (cases) and 242 with non-septic illnesses (controls). Blood group phenotyping (ABO, Rh, Kell), complete blood count, blood cultures, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for culture-positive samples were performed. The mean age of participants was 2.59 ± 2.07 years, comprising 22 newborns (7%), 118 infants (39%), and 162 children (54%). Among sepsis cases, the mean age was 1.78 ± 1.58 years, with 48.3% being male. In the control group, the mean age was 2.15 ± 2.78 years, and 59.5% were male. Blood group O was the most prevalent (55.3%), followed by A (24.8%), B (15.6%), and AB (4.3%). The most frequently isolated pathogens were Gram-positive cocci (45%), followed by Gram-negative bacilli (31.6%), Candida species (13.3%), and mixed infections (10%). A statistically significant association was observed between the AB blood group and susceptibility to specific microorganisms, particularly Gram-negative bacilli and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. This study highlights a significant association between the AB blood group and increased susceptibility to certain pathogens in pediatric sepsis. These findings warrant further large-scale investigations to better define the role of blood group phenotypes in infection risk among children.
