Strong Association of ABO blood groups with COVID-19 associated mortality in Sudan

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has had a significant impact on global health, economic, and social life, causing COVID-19 disease with a spectrum ranging from asymptomatic infection to mortality. The ABO blood group system polymorphism has been suggested as a potential mechanism influencing the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Research indicates that individuals with blood types O and B may experience decreased severity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2. Conversely, individuals with blood types A and AB have been shown to be at higher risk for serious outcomes from SARS-CoV-2. This suggests that the ABO blood group plays a crucial role in the epidemiology of COVID-19 Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out during the period, from October 2021 to October 2022, at the intensive care units (ICU) in Covid-19 Isolation Zones (Sugatra and Mycetoma Center) in Wad Medani - Gezira state, Sudan to study the association between ABO blood groups and the prognosis and associated mortality of Covid-19. Blood grouping of all selected subjects was done using slide agglutination method and structured questionnaire was used to collect personal, demographic and the disease prognosis data of the study subjects, Results: The study's findings indicate that individuals with blood types O and B are more protected against COVID-19 infection and may have a lower mortality rate. Specifically, blood group O offered more protection than blood group B. In contrast, individuals with blood types A and AB showed an increased severity and mortality rate from COVID-19 infection. Among these, individuals with blood type AB experienced less severe outcomes compared to those with blood type A. Conclusion: The study suggests a strong association between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 associated mortality, with blood types O and B offering more protection and blood types A and AB being associated with increased severity and mortality.