ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the relationship of ABO blood group type and COVID -19 infection susceptibility in PAF hospital Mushaf, Sargodha

Introduction: The novel corona virus disease COVID-19 has spread around the world rapidly and declared as a pandemic by WHO, which still continues to outrage. Virus is contagious and spreads and in severe cases can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and even death. Viral infection and ABO blood groups are found to be associated from previous literature, as ABO blood group serve as receptor or co receptor for many viral and bacterial organisms. 

Methodology: Retrospective observational study in which 390 individuals including serving personnel, their dependents, retired and the civilians of all age groups and both genders residing in the premises of PAF Air Base Mushaf, Sargodha” who were tested positive for COVID screenings were included. Blood group was identified by laboratory testing. Data was analyzed using SPSS.

Results: Initially screened 690 patients showed 390 were tested positive for COVID-19, blood group A+Ve, A–Ve and B+Ve were associated with higher risk for acquiring COVID-19 infection (P-value of <0.05), whereas blood group B-Ve, O+Ve, O-Ve, AB+Ve and AB-Ve has no association with COVID- 19 infection (Pvalue of >0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that among COVID-19 confirmed patients, patients with B+ blood group had high susceptibility while patients with AB- blood group has minimal susceptibility to COVID-19 patients. The application of these relationships in clinical practice requires more exploratory studies.