The link between ABO and Rh(D) blood groups with transfusion-transmitted infections in a public blood center in a Brazilian metropolitan area

Studies exploring the association between ABO blood groups and transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are long-standing but present conflicting findings. Evidence suggests that ABO blood types might influence susceptibility to specific pathogens, potentially through mechanisms involving immune response or pathogen binding. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between ABO and Rh(D) blood group and TTIs at a public blood center in a Brazilian metropolitan area. This cross-sectional study included all consecutive blood donors from January 2018 to December 2021 at the Brasília Blood Center Foundation, Federal District (FD), Brazil. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and propensity score matching were performed. Of the 205,965 blood donations, syphilis was the most prevalent TTI, confirmed in 460 (0.49%), followed by HBV in 46 (0.02%). After propensity score matching adjusted for sex and residence in the FD, the B blood group was associated with an increased prevalence of at least one TTI (OR: 1.447, 95%CI: 1.008–2.086, p = 0.045) and HBV (OR: 2.164, 95%CI: 1.049–4.469, p = 0.037). The A blood group was associated with a decreased prevalence of HTLV 1/2 (OR: 0.485, 95% CI: 0.211–0.996, p = 0.049). No significant association was found between ABO blood groups and syphilis. The study observed increased HBV infection associated with the B blood group and decreased HTLV 1/2 infection related to the A blood group. Further studies are needed to explore the relevance of the relationship between ABO blood groups and TTIs. • Syphilis was the most prevalent transfusion-transmitted infection, followed by HBV infection and HTLV-1/2 infection. These findings highlight the need for targeted public policies to address syphilis as the most common TTI. • The B blood group was associated with an increased risk of HBV infection and at least one positive confirmatory test for at least one transfusion-transmitted infection. • The A blood group was linked to a decreased prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection. • No significant association was found between ABO blood groups and syphilis.