Association of Chronic Viral Hepatitis B and C with ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus (Rh) Factor

Background: Chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB) and hepatitis C (CVHC) remain major public health challenges worldwide, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan. While several risk factors for disease susceptibility have been identified, the role of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups in influencing infection risk is underexplored and not well defined in local populations. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of CVHB and CVHC in relation to ABO and Rh blood group distribution among Pakistani patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 200 serologically confirmed CVHB and CVHC patients. Blood group distribution and Rh status were determined, and statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between blood group types and hepatitis infection. Results: Among CVHB patients, blood group distribution showed higher frequencies of group O, followed by B, A, and AB. Rh-positive status predominated significantly. Notably, Rh-positive individuals with blood group O demonstrated disproportionately higher prevalence compared to previous literature. These findings suggest population-specific differences in susceptibility patterns. Conclusion: This locational research highlights a potential genetic or immunological correlation between specific blood groups and susceptibility to Chronic viral hepatitis. The observed peculiarities of the Pakistani population warrant further investigation through large-scale, multicenter studies to better clarify these associations.