Blood group may play small role in coronavirus infection risk – study
Researchers say that data suggests people with blood group O have a lower risk of being infected by Covid-19.
A person’s blood group may play a role in their risk of getting coronavirus, according to a new report.
Researchers say blood group appears to modify their risk of infection and chances of developing Covid-19.
Blood group O individuals’ risk of being infected by the virus are around 25% lower than someone with a non-group O blood type.
Meanwhile, blood group A individuals appear to have a higher risk of infection, the ABO Blood Groups and Covid-19 report concludes.
Experts say the effect of blood group on Covid-19 risk is small, particularly when compared to other risk factors where protective measures can be taken.
The meta-analysis – reviewing other research on the subject – found the risks of needing intubation or of dying from the disease did not vary significantly by blood type.
“There is a small reduction in the risk of Covid-19 in people with blood group O; however, the protective effects of already recommended measures, especially social distancing, face coverings and hand-washing, are much more important for lowering our risk.”
The study was conducted by the Royal Society’s SET-C (Science in Emergencies Tasking: Covid-19) group.
Researchers say the mechanism of protection is unknown but may be due to the natural antibodies to blood group A and B antigens that are observed in people with blood group O.
They do not identify any policy implications.
According to the NHS website, blood group O is the most common, with almost half of the UK population (48%) belonging to this group.
Group O blood has been shown to be protective in other diseases, including malaria, where it lowers the risk of severe forms of the disease.
The report provides a rapid review of published scientific evidence on the topic and has not been through formal peer review.
It concludes: “Individuals with blood group O have about two-thirds to three-quarters of the odds of acquiring Sars-CoV-2 infection of non-group O individuals, and a lower risk of Covid-19.
“It is less clear whether blood group O individuals who have become infected with the virus have a lower risk of severe disease.
“Blood group A is associated with significantly increased odds of Sars-CoV-2 infection, and with a greater risk of severe disease.”
