Analysis of blood type for SARS-CoV-2 and correlation for disease acquisition in various sociodemographic groups including women of childbearing age.

Journal: American Journal Of Infection Control
Published:
Abstract

Background: Multiple studies have occurred to determine if a patient's blood type, Rhesus factor (Rh), and sociodemographic attributes contribute to contracting SARS-CoV-2. True association remains unknown.

Methods: Inclusion criteria included in-patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 with blood type assessed. Study endpoints combined ABO, Rh and all-cause inpatient mortality (ACIM) with testing positivity. Pregnancy status was one of several secondary endpoints evaluated. A logistic regression analysis was used to estimate association.

Results: Of the 27,662 patients who met inclusion criteria, Type A blood was associated with increased positivity [1.01 (1.0-1.21), P = .03]. Type B [1.10 (0.99-1.23), P = .08] and AB [0.98 (0.81-1.19), P = .84] showed no association. When evaluating ACIM, type A [1.18 (0.91-1.52), P = .22], B [1.13 (0.82- 1.56), P = .480], and AB [1.06 (0.62-1.81), P = .839] were not associated with increased mortality. The female subgroup was less likely to test positive [0.88 (0.82-0.986), P = .002]. Black patients demonstrated a higher likelihood of positivity when compared to White [1.96 (1.79-2.14), P < .001]. Non-pregnant women exhibited a 2.5 times greater likelihood of testing positive [2.49 (2.04-3.04), P < .001].

Conclusions: This study confirms results of previous research which showed SARS-Co-V-2 positivity related to blood type. It also confirms more recent research demonstrating inequities related to acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 for certain sociodemographic groups. Larger studies are warranted to confirm and further explore novel pregnancy findings.

Authors
Maria Vacca, Nikunj Vyas, Joshua Banks, Elaine Joyce, Cindy Hou, Benjamin Leiby, Stefanie Deangelo, Todd Levin, Autum Shingler Nace, Marilyn Mapp, Ashlee Hiester, Jonathan Coughenour