ABO‑Rh blood types and clinical consequences of COVID‑19 infection

Abstract

Aim and Background: Because of there is no sufficient evidence showing a relationship between blood types and severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection, this study was planned to investigate the effects of ABO blood group on the clinical outcomes of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. Patients and Methods: The data of the patients were examined retrospectively. The patients who were hospitalized in wards or intensive care unit, constituted the study group. The patients who presented to the hospital because of other causes and whose blood type examinations were performed, were included in the control group. Results: The study group consisted of 406 six patients were diagnosed with SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. Control group consisted of 38079 patients whose blood group was determined for any reason in the same period. The rate of Rh negativity was significantly higher in the patient group (p = 0,01). Hospitalization duration in intensive care was significantly longer in the blood type A and AB groups compared to the blood type O group (p = 0,03). Conclusion: 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. In addition, Rh negativity may also be an individual risk factor for SARS‑CoV‑2 infection.