ABO blood grouping in Egyptian children with rotavirus gastroenteritis

ABO and Rh blood groups and risk of infection: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Persons with non-O and Rh-positive blood types are purported to be more susceptible to infection, including SARS-CoV-2, but there remains uncertainty about the degree to which this is so for both non-viral and viral infections.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed Embase and PubMed from January 1st 1960 to May 31st 2022. English-language publications were selected that separately investigated the relation between ABO and/or Rh blood group and risk of SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pooled odds ratios (ORp) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were then generated for each.

RESULTS

Non-O blood groups had a higher ORp for SARS-CoV-2 than O blood groups, both within 22 case-control studies (2.13, 95% CI 1.49- 3.04) and 15 cohort studies (1.89, 95% CI 1.56- 2.29). For non-SARS-CoV-2 viral infections, the respective ORp were 1.98 (95% CI 1.49-2.65; 4 case-control studies) and 1.87 (95% CI 1.53-2.29; 12 cohort studies). For non-viral infections, the ORp were 1.56 (95% CI 0.98-2.46; 13 case-control studies) and 2.11 (95% CI 1.67-6.67; 4 cohort studies). Rh-positive status had a higher ORp for SARS-CoV-2 infection within 6 case-control studies (13.83, 95% CI 6.18-30.96) and 6 cohort studies (19.04, 95% CI 11.63-31.17), compared to Rh-negative persons. For Rh status, non-SARS-CoV-2 infections, the ORp were 23.45 (95% CI 16.28-33.76) among 7 case-control studies, and 9.25 (95% CI 2.72-31.48) within 4 cohort studies. High measures of heterogeneity were notably observed for all analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-O and Rh-positive blood status are each associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in addition to other viral and non-viral infections.

Extent of the protection afforded by histo-blood group polymorphism against rotavirus gastroenteritis in metropolitan France and French Guiana

Human rotaviruses attach to histo-blood group antigens glycans and null alleles of the ABO, FUT2 and FUT3 genes seem to confer diminished risk of gastroenteritis. Yet, the true extent of this protection remains poorly quantified. Here, we conducted a prospective study to evaluate the risk of consulting at the hospital in non-vaccinated pediatric patients according to the ABO, FUT2 (secretor) and FUT3 (Lewis) polymorphisms, in Metropolitan France and French Guiana. At both locations, P genotypes were largely dominated by P [8]-3, with P [6] cases exclusively found in French Guiana. The FUT2 null (nonsecretor) and FUT3 null (Lewis negative) phenotypes conferred near full protection against severe gastroenteritis due to P [8]-3 strains (OR 0.03, 95% CI [0.00–0.21] and 0.1, 95% CI [0.01–0.43], respectively in Metropolitan France; OR 0.08, 95% CI [0.01–0.52] and 0.14, 95%CI [0.01–0.99], respectively in French Guiana). Blood group O also appeared protective in Metropolitan France (OR 0.38, 95% CI [0.23–0.62]), but not in French Guiana. The discrepancy between the two locations was explained by a recruitment at the hospital of less severe cases in French Guiana than in Metropolitan France. Considering the frequencies of the null ABO, Secretor and Lewis phenotypes, the data indicate that in a Western European population, 34% (95% CI [29%; 39%]) of infants are genetically protected against rotavirus gastroenteritis of sufficient severity to lead to hospital visit.

ASSOCIATION OF BLOOD TYPE AND MORTALITY OF COVID-19: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY IN NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, INDONESIA

Background

The ABO blood type is crucial in a number of illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and some communicable and non-communicable illnesses. However, there is currently little clear evidence between COVID-19 with ABO blood types. This study was, therefore, aimed to assess the association between ABO blood type and the mortality of patients infected with COVID-19 in a national referral hospital in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods

This study used a retrospective cohort design. The research sample was COVID-19 patients who were in Dr. M. Djamil Hospital Padang. The number of samples in this study was 93 subjects. The Chi-square test was used in the data analysis. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0 program, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The results of this study found the percentage of mortality of COVID-19 patients was higher for blood group O (46.2%), followed by AB (41.7%), B (26.3%), and A (13.9%). There was a relationship between blood type and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (p <0.05), where blood type O had the highest risk (OR = 5.31, 95% CI 1.57-17.98) followed by blood type AB (OR = 4.43, 95% CI 1.01-19.58).

Conclusion

This study confirmed there was a relationship between blood type and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, where blood type O had the highest risk followed by blood type AB.

Acute Infectious Gastroenteritis: The Causative Agents, Omics-Based Detection of Antigens and Novel Biomarkers

Acute infectious gastroenteritis (AGE) is among the leading causes of mortality in children less than 5 years of age worldwide. There are many causative agents that lead to this infection, with rotavirus being the commonest pathogen in the past decade. However, this trend is now being progressively replaced by another agent, which is the norovirus. Apart from the viruses, bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli and parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica also contribute to AGE. These agents can be recognised by their respective biological markers, which are mainly the specific antigens or genes to determine the causative pathogen. In conjunction to that, omics technologies are currently providing crucial insights into the diagnosis of acute infectious gastroenteritis at the molecular level. Recent advancement in omics technologies could be an important tool to further elucidate the potential causative agents for AGE. This review will explore the current available biomarkers and antigens available for the diagnosis and management of the different causative agents of AGE. Despite the high-priced multi-omics approaches, the idea for utilization of these technologies is to allow more robust discovery of novel antigens and biomarkers related to management AGE, which eventually can be developed using easier and cheaper detection methods for future clinical setting. Thus, prediction of prognosis, virulence and drug susceptibility for active infections can be obtained. Case management, risk prediction for hospital-acquired infections, outbreak detection, and antimicrobial accountability are aimed for further improvement by integrating these capabilities into a new clinical workflow.

Analyses of ABO blood groups with susceptibility and symptomatic variations of COVID-19 infection, a questionnaire-based survey

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel respiratory disease that has led to a global pandemic and created a havoc. The COVID-19 disease severity varies among individuals, depending on fluctuating symptoms. Many infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and dengue hemorrhagic fever have been associated with ABO blood groups. The aim of this study was to explore whether ABO blood groups might serve as a risk or a protective factor for COVID-19 infection. Moreover, the symptomatic variations of COVID-19 infection among the individuals with different blood groups were also analyzed. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted in which 305 partakers were included, who had successfully recovered from coronavirus infection. The ABO blood groups of 1294 healthy individuals were also taken as a control. The results of the current study demonstrated that antibody A containing blood groups (blood group B, p-value: 0.049 and blood group O, p-value: 0.289) had a protective role against COVID-19 infection. The comparison of symptomatic variations among COVID-19-infected subjects showed that blood group O subjects had lower chances of experiencing severe symptoms relating to respiratory distress, while subjects with AB blood group were more prone to develop symptoms, but the differences in both groups were found to be statistically non-significant. In conclusion, subjects who do not have anti-A antibodies in their serum (i.e., subjects with group A and AB) are more likely to be infected with COVID-19. The current data showed that there was no significant association of signs and symptoms variations of COVID-19 infection among individuals with different blood groups.

ABO Blood Group and Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary-Level Hospital in Bangladesh

PURPOSE

The world is heavily suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year, with over 191 million confirmed cases and more than 4.1 million deaths to date. Previous studies have explored several risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but there is still a lack of association with ABO blood type. This study aimed to find out the relationship between the ABO blood group and COVID-19 outcomes in Bangladesh.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary-level COVID-dedicated hospital in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, between April 2020 and November 2020. Records from 771 critically ill patients were extracted who were confirmed for COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, and blood grouping records were available in the health records.

RESULTS

The blood groups were 37.35%, 17.38%, 26.46%, and 18.81% for A, B, AB, and O type, respectively. Clinical symptoms were significantly more common in patients with blood type A (p < 0.05). Patients with blood type A had higher WBC counts and peak serum ferritin levels and both were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Patients with blood type A had a greater need for supplemental oxygen, and they were more likely to die in comparison to the patients with other blood types (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, our primary outcome death was significantly associated with blood type A (AOR: 3.49, 95% CI: 1.57-7.73) while adjusting for age, male gender, and non-communicable diseases.

CONCLUSION

Based on this study results, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 patients with blood type A have a higher chance of death and other complications. The authors recommend blood grouping before treating the COVID-19 patients, and healthcare workers should prioritize treating the patients based on that result.

ABO phenotype and SARS-CoV-2 infection: Is there any correlation?

COVID-19 is the currently evolving viral disease worldwide. It mainly targets the respiratory organs, tissues and causes illness. A plethora of studies has been performing to bring proper treatment and prevent people from the infection. Likewise, susceptibility to some infectious diseases has been associated with blood group phenotypes. The co-relationship of blood group with the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death has been examined in numerous studies. This review explained the described studies regarding the correlation of blood group and the other essential factors with COVID-19.

ABO blood group and COVID-19: an updated systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Following the first reports in the literature, the association between the ABO blood group and SARS-CoV-2 infection has been investigated by a number of studies, although with varying results. The main object of this systematic review was to assess the relationship between the ABO blood group and the occurrence and severity of COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search using appropriate MeSH terms was performed through Medline and PubMed. The outcomes considered were the prevalence of the blood group O vs non-O types in SARS-CoV-2 infected and non-infected subjects, and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to ABO group. The methodological quality of the studies included in the analysis was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the overall quality of the available evidence using the GRADE system. Benchmarks used to evaluate the effect size were odd ratios (ORs) for case control studies and risk ratios (RRs) for cohort studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included in the analysis. Overall, individuals with group O had a lower infection rate compared to individuals of non-O group (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.86). However, the difference in the effect size was significantly lower in cohort studies compared to case control studies. No evidence was found indicating an effect of the O type on the disease severity in the infected patients.

DISCUSSION

We have found low/very low evidence that group O individuals are less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those in the non-O group. No evidence was found indicating an effect of the O type on disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Prevalence and associated factors to rotavirus infection in children less than 5 years in Enugu State, Nigeria

Rotavirus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children 5 years and below. An epidemiological study was carried out to determine the prevalence of rotavirus in Enugu state and factors that contribute to the incidence in the state. Stool samples were collected from 179 children from different parts of the state. Rotavirus antigen was detected using enzyme immunoassay kit. A standardized structured questionnaire was used to obtain additional information from the parents/guardian of the children. Chi square was used to analyze the results and significance was determined at 0.05. The results showed 31.5% prevalence of rotavirus among children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and 25.7% prevalence in the general population. The prevalence was highest (60.9%) among children 0–12 months and decreased as the age increased. Rotavirus infection was significantly higher in bottle-fed children than in those feed exclusively breast milk. More viruses were detected in O (48.8%) and A (47.6%) blood group children than in children of other blood groups. More rotavirus caused AGE occurred in dry season compared to wet season, with highest incidence of both AGE and rotavirus infection occurring in January. Rotavirus diarrhoea was significantly associated with fever, vomiting and dehydration. The results of this study show that rotavirus continues to be an important cause of diarrhoea in children in this part of Nigeria and emphasize the need to factor in rotavirus and other viral agents in the diagnosis and treatment of diarrhoea in children 5 years and below.

Association Between ABO Blood Group System and COVID-19 Susceptibility in Wuhan

Background: The ABO blood group system has been associated with multiple infectious diseases, including hepatitis B, dengue haemorrhagic fever and so on. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory infectious disease and the relationship between COVID-19 and ABO blood group system needs to be explored urgently.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from 1 January 2020 to 5 March 2020. A total of 105 COVID-19 cases and 103 controls were included. The blood group frequency was tested with the chi-square statistic, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated between cases and controls. In addition, according to gender, the studied population was divided into two subgroups, and we assessed the association between cases and controls by gender. Finally, considering lymphopenia as a feature of COVID-19, the relationship between the ABO blood group and the lymphocyte count was determined in case samples.

Results: The frequencies of blood types A, B, AB, and O were 42.8, 26.7, 8.57, and 21.9%, respectively, in the case group. Association analysis between the ABO blood group and COVID-19 indicated that there was a statistically significant difference for blood type A (P = 0.04, OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02–1.73) but not for blood types B, AB or O (P = 0.48, OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.66–1.23; P = 0.61, OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.53–1.46; and P = 0.23, OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.58–1.15, respectively). An analysis stratified by gender revealed that the association was highly significant between blood type A in the female subgroup (P = 0.02, OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.08–2.27) but not in the male subgroup (P = 0.51, OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.78–1.67). The average level of lymphocyte count was the lowest with blood type A in patients, however, compared with other blood types, there was still no significant statistical difference.

Conclusions: Our findings provide epidemiological evidence that females with blood type A are susceptible to COVID-19. However, these research results need to be validated in future studies.

How the gut microbiome regulates host immune responses to viral vaccines

The co-evolution of the microbiota and immune system has forged a mutually beneficial relationship. This relationship allows the host to maintain the balance between active immunity to pathogens and vaccines and tolerance to self-antigens and food antigens. In children living in low-income and middle-income countries, undernourishment and repetitive gastrointestinal infections are associated with the failure of oral vaccines. Intestinal dysbiosis associated with these environmental influences, as well as some host-related factors, compromises immune responses and negatively impacts vaccine efficacy. To understand how immune responses to viral vaccines can be optimally modulated, mechanistic studies of the relationship between the microbiome, host genetics, viral infections and the development and function of the immune system are needed. We discuss the potential role of the microbiome in modulating vaccine responses in the context of a growing understanding of the relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiota, host related factors (including histo-blood group antigens) and resident immune cell populations.

Histo-blood group antigens and rotavirus vaccine shedding in Nicaraguan infants

ABO, Lewis and secretor histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) are susceptibility factors for rotavirus in a P-genotype dependent manner and can influence IgA seroconversion rates following rotavirus vaccination. To investigate the association between HBGA phenotypes and rotavirus vaccine shedding fecal samples (n = 304) from a total of 141 infants vaccinated with Rotarix (n = 71) and RotaTeq (n = 70) were prospectively sampled in three time frames (≤3, 4–7 and ≥8 days) after first vaccination dose. Rotavirus was detected with qPCR and genotypes determined by G/P multiplex PCR and/or sequencing. HBGAs were determined by hemagglutination and saliva based ELISA. Low shedding rates were observed, with slightly more children vaccinated with RotaTeq (19%) than Rotarix (11%) shedding rotavirus at ≥4 days post vaccination (DPV). At ≥4 DPV no infant of Lewis A (n = 6) or nonsecretor (n = 9) phenotype in the Rotarix cohort shed rotavirus; the same observation was made for Lewis A infants (n = 7) in the RotaTeq cohort. Putative in-vivo gene reassortment among RotaTeq strains occurred, yielding mainly G1P[8] strains. The bovine derived P[5] genotype included in RotaTeq was able to replicate and be shed at long time frames (>13 DPV). The results of this study are consistent with that HBGA phenotype influences vaccine strain shedding as similarly observed for natural infections. Due to the low overall shedding rates observed, additional studies are however warranted.

The Lewis A phenotype is a restriction factor for Rotateq and Rotarix vaccine-take in Nicaraguan children

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and the Lewis and secretor antigens are associated with susceptibility to rotavirus infection in a genotype-dependent manner. Nicaraguan children were prospectively enrolled in two cohorts vaccinated with either RotaTeq RV5 (n = 68) or Rotarix RV1 (n = 168). Lewis and secretor antigens were determined by saliva phenotyping and genotyping. Seroconversion was defined as a 4-fold increase in plasma IgA antibody titer 1 month after administration of the first dose of the vaccine. Regardless of the vaccine administered, significantly fewer of the children with Lewis A phenotype (0/14) seroconverted after receiving the first vaccine dose compared to 26% (45/175) of those with the Lewis B phenotype and 32% (15/47) of the Lewis negative individuals (P < 0.01). Furthermore, following administration of the RV1 vaccine, secretor-positive ABO blood group B children seroconverted to a significantly lesser extent (5%) compared to secretor-positive children with ABO blood groups A (26%) and O (27%) (P < 0.05). Other factors such as pre-vaccination titers, sex, breastfeeding, and calprotectin levels did not influence vaccine-take. Differences in HBGA expression appear to be a contributing factor in the discrepancy in vaccine-take and thus, in vaccine efficacy in different ethnic populations.