Influence of ABO and Rh Blood Groups on COVID-19 Infection Dynamics: A Systematic Overview

Numerous host-related factors have influenced the highly diverse clinical outcomes of the coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Among these, the Rh factor and the ABO blood group system have garnered a lot of interest as possible risk factors that cannot be changed. The evidence from throughout the world examining the relationship between ABO and Rh blood types and COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and outcomes is compiled in this review. Blood group O seems to offer some protection, most likely because of the presence of anti-A antibodies and higher IgG levels, whereas data from several studies indicate that blood group A is associated with a higher risk of infection and unfavorable results. Results for blood groups B and AB are still mixed, with some research suggesting increased vulnerability. In addition, compared to Rh-positive people, Rh-negative people show a decreased risk of infection and serious illness. Conflicting findings are caused by methodological variances, regional variances, and study population heterogeneity. While blood group A and Rh-positive status are linked to greater vulnerability, blood group O and Rh-negative status appear to be protective overall. To elucidate processes and enhance the therapeutic significance of these relationships, more multicenter and genetically stratified research is needed.