Iranian Journal of Colorectal Research

Iranian Journal of Colorectal Research

Effects of ABO Blood Groups and Helicobacter pylori on COVID-19 Susceptibility and Disease Severity: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Analysis

Document Type : Research/Original Article

Authors
Maryam Nejabat 1
Mohammad Motamedifar 2
Saeid Amiri Zadeh Fard 1
1 Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
10.30476/acrr.2025.106687.1245
Abstract
Background: The investigation of the correlation between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to infectious
diseases, particularly COVID-19 and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), has garnered significant scholarly
attention in recent studies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ABO blood groups and H.
pylori infection with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023. During this
period, serum samples from 1,105 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at hospitals affiliated with Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 and H. pylori antibodies using the enzymelinked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics and
manifestations of COVID-19, were collected through structured interviews and comprehensive reviews of
medical records.
Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 was significantly higher among individuals with blood group A
compared to other groups (P=0.032). Patients co-infected with H. pylori had more severe COVID-19 symptoms
(P=0.021). The findings from this investigation reveal that blood group O is correlated with an increased risk
for both COVID-19 and H. pylori infections, whereas blood group AB demonstrates a reduced susceptibility to
COVID-19, although this does not imply definitive protective. Noteworthy associations were identified between
ABO blood groups and specific COVID-19 symptoms, including headache, chronic underlying conditions,
chest discomfort, and sore throat. The hospitalization among patients with blood group AB was higher than
that observed in other blood groups (10.8%), while it was notably lower in patients with blood group O (4.6%,
P=0.038).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest a significant association between ABO blood groups, H. pylori infection, and
susceptibility to COVID-19. These factors may contribute to disease severity and warrant further investigation
for potential clinical implications.

Highlights

Maryam Nejabat (Google Scholar)

Saeid Amiri Zadeh Fard (Google Scholar)

Keywords
ABO blood group
Helicobacter pylori
COVID-19
Susceptibility
ACE2 Receptor
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Iranian Journal of Colorectal Research
Volume 13, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 1-7