Are some Blood types particularly susceptible to Coronavirus?

Are some blood types particularly susceptible to coronavirus? Research conducted in both Germany and Norway has examined blood groups for the risk of a severe course of the disease and found large differences in susceptibility to coronavirus.

It has long been suspected that genetic factors could play a role in immune defense against corona. As early as March, Chinese scientists were concerned with the influence that a person’s blood group could have on susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. A recent study by German and Norwegian scientists has now confirmed the relationship between blood groups and the risk of coronavirus infection. 

Corona Infection: Blood type as an influencing factor?

The research team evaluated more than 1,600 blood samples from Covid-19 patients with severe history in Spain and Italy. The genetic characteristics of the samples were compared with those of healthy blood donors. 

Relationship between Blood types and COVID-19 risk

As a result of the investigation, it was found that the people with blood group A were more susceptible to the coronavirus. They had a significantly higher risk of a particularly severe course of the disease. However, people with blood type O, were better protected from the virus. The B blood groups were in the middle. Chinese researchers had also noticed in earlier examinations that an above-average number of Covid-19 patients had blood group A.

Study result not yet scientifically confirmed

Do people with blood group A now have to worry more about being infected with the coronavirus? In their pre-publication of the study, the researchers point out that there has not yet been a specialist review by experts. The study is therefore in the preprint stage and currently shows only one trend. The researchers also pointed out the demand for a larger data set so that they can provide a better and conclusive analysis of the blood group susceptibility of coronavirus.