Association of ABO Blood Groups with Dengue Fever and its Severity: A Study in Surabaya, Indonesia

Background: Indonesia, a dengue-endemic country, has high morbidity and mortality rates. Dengue infection manifestations vary from asymptomatic to mild to severe. One of the risk factors for infection that plays a role in this severity is blood type. A better understanding of the risk factors for dengue infection is required to prevent and control it. Methods: This analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted at three hospitals in Surabaya from March to May 2013. Consecutive sampling included 95 patients aged >12 years with confirmed dengue infection (IgM/IgG positive) and without comorbid severe illness. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and checklists, with informed consent obtained. Laboratory examinations included ABO blood grouping and dengue serology (IgM/IgG) using standardized procedures. Dengue severity was classified according to WHO criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0 with chi-square tests, considering p < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: The risk factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) associated with ABO blood type were investigated. The most common blood groups in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever were O (47.3%) and AB (8.4%). According to this study, there were significant differences in the severity of dengue infection based on the blood type (p = 0.019). Moreover, we observed that patients with blood type B tended to develop more severe dengue infections. Conclusions: This study indicates that blood type B is more susceptible to dengue severity; however, other factors can also affect severity in addition to blood type. Keywords: Dengue, Dengue Hemorrhage Fever, Human and health, Infectious disease, Indonesia.