Relationship of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic with Blood Groups

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> SARS-CoV attaches to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor with the spike protein and infects cells. It can play a direct role in infection by acting as a receptor and/or co-receptor for blood group antigens, microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We aimed to compare the blood group distribution of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to hospital and that of healthy donors. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 823 patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test and clinical symptoms were included in the study. The results were compared with the normal blood group distribution in the region. <b><i>Results:</i></b> While the prevalence of COVID-19 in the A, B, and AB blood groups was higher than that in the healthy blood donors, it was lower in the O blood group (<i>p</i> = 0.009). The distribution of demographic and clinical characteristics based on blood groups did not differ significantly. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results are in agreement with other studies suggesting that blood group O individuals are somewhat more resistant to clinically overt infection with SARS-CoV-2 than other blood groups. However, this tendency is not sufficiently established to allow special prophylaxis recommendations for non-O individuals.