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

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

References

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