Blood group O is associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome in outpatients with a low comorbidity index. Issue 12 (2nd December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Díaz-Salazar, Sara; Navas, Raquel; Sainz-Maza, Laura; Fierro, Patricia; Maamar, Meryam; Artime, Arancha; Basterrechea, Héctor; Petitta, Benedetta; Pini, Stefanie; Olmos, José Manuel; Ramos, Carmen; Pariente, Emilio; Hernández, José Luis
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases. Volume 54:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 897
• Page End: 908
• Publication Date: 2022-12-02
• Subjects: Blood group O -- post-COVID-19 syndrome -- inflammatory markers -- ABO blood group -- COVID-19; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2022.2115548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-4235

Abstract

Abstract: Background: ABO blood group system modulates the inflammatory response and has been implicated in COVID-19. Group O protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there are no data regarding post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Our aim was to assess this possible association. Methods: Case–control study in a community setting, with subjects who had experienced mild COVID-19. Cases were PCS+, controls were PCS-, and the exposure variable, group O. We collected age, sex, BMI, smoking, comorbidities, inflammatory markers, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, blood type and clinical data. Five composite inflammatory indices were developed. Multivariate analyses were performed. Results: We analysed 121 subjects (56.2% women), mean age 45.7 ± 16 years. Blood group frequencies were 41.5%, 7.9%, 5.9%, and 44.5% for A, B, AB and O, respectively. Thirty-six patients were PCS+, without significant differences between cases and controls. Compared to non-O, a higher prevalence of PCS ( p = .036), and number of symptoms of PCS ( p = .017) were noted in group O. Concerning biomarkers, PCS + and PCS- showed no differences in A, B, and AB groups. In contrast, group O PCS + patients had significantly lower albumin-to-globulin ratio and higher lymphocyte count, fibrinogen, CRP levels, and higher percentages of 3 composite indices, than PCS- subjects. Group O showed a 6-fold increased risk of PCS, compared to non-O (adjusted OR = 6.25 [95%CI, 1.6-23]; p = .007). Conclusions: Group O has shown a consistent relationship with PCS, characterised by a more intense inflammatory burden than the other blood groups. Blood group O could be part of the immunological link between acute COVID-19 and PCS.