Featured Story: The Rising Significance of Blood Types in the Age of COVID-19
Blood types are much more than a few letters. They serve as clues for geneticists, heart disease risk levels for cardiologists, and crucial samples for pathologists. However, these simple letters used to indicate antibody levels have recently taken on a whole new role: determining which individuals are more likely to contract and spread COVID-19.
A groundbreaking study in China observed the infection rate for COVID-19 among a population distribution of A, B, and O blood types. Researchers concluded that “people with blood group A have a higher risk whereas people with blood group O have a lower risk for SARS-Cov-2 infection and COVID-19 severity” (2). The sample population did not vary in diversity and was relatively small, so researchers carefully provided a disclaimer that the study did not represent the entire general population. However, a similar study was conducted by Columbia University to endorse prior results. “Using data from NYP/CUIMC, [researchers] found the odds of COVID-19 positive vs negative test results were increased in blood groups A and decreased in blood groups O, consistent with previous results from Wuhan and Shenzhen” (2). The New York study also tested the prevalence of COVID-19 among individuals both containing and lacking an Rh factor (determining whether an individual’s blood type is positive [+] or negative [-]). This experiment concluded that “strong associations are only found in Rh-positive blood groups” (2). These primary studies, along with several smaller samples, share enough accuracy to evidence the claim that individuals with type A blood are more likely to test positive for COVID-19.
With this information in mind, healthcare professionals are left to determine what the next steps are. Unlike most disease risk factors such as an unhealthy diet or drug/substance abuse, blood type is not a choice, and therefore cannot be altered. Individuals who belong to the A blood group are at increased risk based solely on their genetics, and on top of that, many individuals are not aware of their blood type at all. Blood type is not a regular note on medical records unless the patient has had a major operation or delivered a baby, and many people may not even be aware they are at higher risk for the virus because of it.
While COVID-19 continues to grow, new research and information are being discovered daily. Recognizing the risk factors and characteristics of the disease is a key weapon for immunologists and other medical professionals. With continued dedication and a proper understanding of the virus itself, the coronavirus may just be defeated after all.
References
Ziets, Tattoneti. (2020). “Testing the association between blood type and COVID-19 infection, intubation, and death.” https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.08.20058073v1.full.pdf
Zhao1, Yang, Huang, Li, Gu1, Lu, Zhang, Liu, Liu, Liu, He1, Sun1, Weil, Yang, Wang, Zhang, Zhou, Xing1, Wang1. (2020). “Relationship between the ABO Blood Group and the COVID-19 Susceptibility.” https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.11.20031096v2.full.pdf
Article written by Anna Cernich, edited by Zain Qureshi, graphics by London San Luis, group advised by Aashima Sagar
