Association of ABO and Rh Blood Group in Susceptibility, Severity, and Mortality of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Hospital-Based Study From Delhi, India

Long-term dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 immunity in a university hospital in Colombia: A cohort study

Objectives

This prospective cohort study aimed to estimate the natural, vaccine-induced, and hybrid immunity to SARS-CoV-2, alongside the immunogenicity of the messenger RNA (mRNA)-1273 booster after the BNT162b2 primary series in health care workers in Colombia.

Methods

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and neutralizing antibodies were measured in 110 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection or a BNT162b2 primary series. Humoral responses and related factors were explored in a subgroup (n = 36) that received a BNT162b2 primary series, followed by a mRNA-1273 booster (2BNT162b2 + 1mRNA-1273), and T-cell responses were evaluated in a subgroup of them (n = 16).

Results

For natural immunity, IgG and IgA peaked within 3 months, declining gradually but remaining detectable up to 283 days post-infection. Neutralizing antibody inhibition post-infection was below positive range (≥35%) but exceeded 97% in vaccine-induced and hybrid immunity groups. After 2BNT162b2 + 1mRNA-1273, IgG peaked 3-4 months post-booster, gradually declining but remaining positive over 10 months, with IgA and neutralizing antibodies stable. Age and blood group were related to IgG response, whereas obesity and blood type were related to IgA response post-booster. Autoimmunity and blood type B were associated with lower neutralizing antibody inhibition. There were no differences in T-cell responses according to previous infection.

Conclusions

These findings provide long-term insights into the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and the immunogenicity of mRNA vaccines.

Blood type susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 at a tertiary hospital in Accra, Ghana

Pandemics from viral outbreaks, such as that caused by SARS-CoV-2, have significant impacts worldwide. The factors that underlie differential susceptibility to severe COVID-19 outcomes are not fully understood. The role of the ABO blood group in the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infections remains to be clarified in different populations. This study described the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and examined the association of the ABO blood group with COVID-19 disease among apparently healthy and COVID-19 patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. The study involved 277 participants comprising 200 healthy individuals and 77 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients with mild or severe symptoms. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay (IgM/IgG) was performed, and ABO blood grouping was done on plasma samples using the reverse blood grouping method. Statistical analyses were performed in R for the association of socio-demographic parameters and ABO blood groupings of participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection status. The total SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 61.4% (157/277). Most of the participants (245/277, 88.4%) were unvaccinated. Of the 245 unvaccinated individuals, 127 (51.8%) were IgG reactive. A significant association was observed between ABO blood group and COVID-19 disease status. Antigen A participants had a higher probability of symptomatic infection than non-antigen A individuals. Blood group O appeared more protective than other blood types among the participants. Seropositivity was high among the participants studied-vaccinated and unvaccinated. Blood group A is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, whereas blood group O appears protective. Further studies involving larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.

IMPORTANCE

The transmissibility and virulence of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19 disease appeared to vary across nations and among populations. However, the factors that account for the differential susceptibility and COVID-19 outcomes are not well understood. The roles of host immune defense mechanisms and genetic makeup have been implicated. This study investigated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgM and IgG) in apparently healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients; using a reliable but inexpensive blood group typing based on direct hemagglutination technique and rigorous statistical analyses, we determined the association of ABO blood groups with COVID-19 disease. We found appreciably high seropositivity among the participants studied-both vaccinated and unvaccinated-and showed that blood type significantly influences SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity, with blood group A associated with severe COVID-19 disease, whereas blood group O appears protective. Further studies involving a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings.

The Investigation of the Distribution of ABO/Rh Blood Group in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients and Its Association With Disease Severity, Clinical Outcomes, Lab Tests, and Radiologic Findings

Background and Aims

it is important to identify patients at higher risk for severity and poor outcomes of COVID-19 infection, to have better disease management and pandemic control. In this study, we aimed to assess the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in hospitalized COVID-19 infected patients and demonstrate its association with severity and outcomes of the disease.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study at Ziaeian Specialist Hospital, in Tehran, Iran. Of all confirmed COVID-19 infected patients who were admitted to this hospital, 273 patients were enrolled in this study and categorized based on their disease severity or clinical outcomes including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality. The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups was assessed and compared between different groups, to investigate the association of blood group types with disease severity or outcomes. Also, the study population was categorized based on their blood group types to demonstrate the association of laboratory parameters, radiologic findings, and length of hospitalization with blood groups. Sex, age and underlying disease were adjusted in the final model by multivariate regression analysis.

Results

This study showed that Blood group A (35.9%) was the most prevalent among hospitalized COVID-19 patients followed by O (34.8%), B (21.6%), and AB (7.7%) (A > O > B > AB). ABO and Rh blood group was not associated with disease severity, need for mechanical ventilation, or ICU admission, while blood group B was associated with an increased risk of death in comparison with type O, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (p = 0.02). The number of patients with severe levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) test results was lower in O blood group patients in comparison with non-O blood groups (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

No significant association was found between blood groups and other lab tests, radiologic findings, and length of hospitalization.

Lack of association of ABO and RhD blood groups with COVID-19 mortality: A 2-center cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Several diseases, including both noninfectious diseases and bacterial and viral diseases, are associated with the ABO and RH blood group systems. Previous studies have shown a link between blood type and the probability of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In this study, we aimed to explore the correlation between deaths caused by COVID-19 and ABO and RhD blood types in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional observational study, data from COVID-19 patients were collected from 2 major hospitals treating COVID-19 in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, between March 2020 and November 2021. The association between ABO and RhD blood types and COVID-19 outcomes was investigated. A total of 2302 real-time polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study; a chi-square test was used to determine the statistical significance of the data. Of the 2302 enrolled patients, 1008 (43.8%) had blood type O, 677 (29.41%) had blood type A, 502 (21.8%) had blood type B, and 115 (5%) had blood type AB. Of the patients, 2143 (93.1%) were RhD-positive. The O-positive blood type had the highest mortality rate among COVID-19-infected patients, whereas the AB-negative type had the lowest. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between blood type (ABO or RhD) and COVID-19-based susceptibility or mortality. In conclusion, we found no association between ABO and RhD blood types and either susceptibility to or mortality due to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Association Between Rhesus and ABO Blood Group Types and Their Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multi-Center Investigation

Background

There is increasing evidence suggesting that ABO blood type may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 infection. In addition to ABO blood type, the Rhesus (Rh) factor has also been implicated in various disease processes. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the association between both ABO and Rh blood types in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and their clinical outcomes.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted in Saudi Arabia between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, involving adult COVID-19 patients admitted to Intensive Care Units, aimed to explore potential associations between rhesus blood group types (Positive versus Negative) and clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint assessed was the hospital length of stay (LOS). Other endpoints were considered secondary.

Results

After propensity score matching (3:1 ratio), 212 patients were included in the final analysis. The hospital length of stay was longer in a negative Rh blood group compared with patients in the Rh-positive group (beta coefficient 0.26 (0.02, 0.51), p = 0.03). However, neither 30-day mortality (HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.47, 1.25, p = 0.28) nor in-hospital mortality (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.48, 1.14, p = 0.17) reached statistical significance. Additionally, among the different ABO types, the A+ blood group exhibited a higher proportion of thrombosis/infarction and in-hospital mortality (28.1% and 31.2%, respectively).

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential impact of blood group type on the prognosis of critically ill patients with COVID-19. It has been observed that patients with a negative Rh blood group type tend to have a longer hospital stay, while their mortality rates and complications during ICU stay are similar to the patients with a Rh-positive group.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG in blood donors in a teaching institute from Western part of Maharashtra

Introduction

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that has appeared as a global pandemic in recent times. Currently, the transmission rate has slowed down significantly, but the definite pathological reason behind this is still unknown. Therefore, the prevalence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody must be studied to establish the relation between the rate of transmission and antibody presence.

Materials and Methods

A clinical assessment was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among 299 healthy volunteers in the period of February to May 2021. Serum samples were analyzed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) technology to detect the presence of IgG antibodies.

Result

It was observed that 21% of the participants were seropositive, and 78% of the population was seronegative across the different genders. This confirmed that the generation of antibodies is independent of gender. Simultaneously, a t-test was performed that further suggested no statistical correlation between gender and seroprevalence. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis was performed to establish the relation between age and blood group with the seroprevalence. However, there was no statistical relationship found among these parameters.

Conclusion

This study assisted in examining the underlying causes of high or low seroprevalence among healthy volunteers.

Correlation of Age, Gender, ABO Blood Group and Rh Factor in COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

BACKGROUND

The ABO blood group has long been recognized as a significant factor influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Numerous studies have explored the links between ABO blood types and both the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and the severity of the infection, yielding conflicting results.

AIM

This study intends to determine the influence of age, gender, the ABO blood group, and Rh factor on the potential development of COVID-19 infection.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional, observational study collected data including age, gender, the ABO blood group, and Rh factor from 80 healthcare professionals at R. R. Dental College and Hospital in Udaipur with a positive history of COVID-19 infection via Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, United States). Chi-square statistics assessed the distribution of blood types and antibodies within the samples. Odds ratio (OR) assays were used to assess the probability of a certain blood type or Rh factor with version 21.0 of the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

In this study, the blood group type O was 45.2% (n = 33), type A was 21.9% (n = 16), type B was 24.7% (n = 18), and type AB was 8.2% (n = 6). Rh-positive samples were 87.7% (n = 64) and Rh-negative samples were 12.3% (n = 9). There was a statistically significant correlation between Type A (p = 0.001) and Type O (p = 0.049). Thirty-one participants (42.5%) were aged 20-30 years, 26 (35.6%) were aged 31-40 years, and 16 (21.9%) were aged 41-50 years. The statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant distinction among the age groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The patients' gender, age, and concurrent disorders are crucial risk variables that determine the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There is growing data indicating that the ABO blood group has a significant role in disease biology at physiological and biochemical levels. Hence, this study adds valuable information to strengthen and establish the potential role of factors, such as age and gender, in the possible pathogenicity of COVID-19 infection.

Interactions between the principal risk factors for reduction of the eGFR in unvaccinated COVID‑19 survivors: Normal pre-COVID‑19 eGFR, not having diabetes and being hospitalized

There are contradictory results regarding changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. An analysis of eGFR changes and clinical characteristics associated with those changes was conducted among COVID-19 survivors. eGFR values were compared at different time points (before and 4-, 8- and 12-months after COVID-19 infection). A multivariate generalized linear mixed model (GENLINMIXED procedure) with a binary logistic regression link was used to determine factors associated with eGFR reduction of ≥10 ml/min/1.73 m2. Being hospitalized (RR=2.90, 95% CI=1.10-7.68, P=0.032), treated with Ivermectin (RR=14.02, 95% CI=4.11-47.80, P<0.001) or anticoagulants (RR=6.51, 95% CI=2.69-15.73, P<0.001) are risk factors for a reduced eGFR. Having a low eGFR (<90 ml/min/1.73 m2) before COVID-19 infection, having B-positive blood type, diabetes, taking vitamin C during the acute phase of COVID-19 or suffering from chronic COVID-19 symptoms, were identified as protective factors. Analysis involving a two-way interaction (A x B, where A and B are factors) demonstrated that the combination of patients with a normal eGFR value before COVID-19 infection without diabetes (RR=58.60, 95% CI=11.62-295.38, P<0.001), or a normal eGFR value with being hospitalized for COVID-19 (RR=38.07, 95% CI=8.68-167.00, P<0.001), increased the probability of a reduced eGFR. The changes in eGFR in COVID-19 survivors varied depending on patient characteristics. Furthermore, the principal risk factors for post-COVID-19 eGFR reduction were analyzed in separate models.

ABO blood group and rhesus factor association with inpatient COVID-19 mortality and severity: a two-year retrospective review

Background

Early reports have indicated a relationship between ABO and rhesus blood group types and infection with SARS-CoV-2. We aim to examine blood group type associations with COVID-19 mortality and disease severity.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of patients ages 18 years or older admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome was COVID-19 mortality with respect to ABO blood group type. The secondary outcomes were 1. Severity of COVID-19 with respect to ABO blood group type, and 2. Rhesus factor association with COVID-19 mortality and disease severity. Disease severity was defined by degree of supplemental oxygen requirements (ambient air, low-flow, high-flow, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation).

Results

The blood type was collected on 596 patients with more than half (54%, N=322) being O+. The ABO blood type alone was not statistically associated with mortality (P=0.405), while the RH blood type was statistically associated with mortality (P<0.001). There was statistically significant association between combined ABO and RH blood type and mortality (P=0.014). Out of the mortality group, the O+ group had the highest mortality (52.3%), followed by A+ (22.8%). The combined ABO and RH blood type was statistically significantly associated with degree of supplemental oxygen requirements (P=0.005). The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that Rh- patients had increased mortality.

Conclusion

ABO blood type is not associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Rhesus factor status is associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Rhesus negative patients were associated with increased mortality risk.

Association of ABO blood types and clinical variables with COVID-19 infection severity in Libya

Objective

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic is a coronavirus-related health emergency (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Inadequate efforts are still being made to address the illness situation in Libya, and this must change. To address these issues, we looked into the demography and trend of the disease as well as the potential risk factors for infection.

Methods

This study is a retrospective case-control study conducted online among 616 COVID-19 patients. The p_0.05 value, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and analyzed from the drawn data.

Results

Males were at high risk of COVID-19 than females (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.042-1.622; p = 0.02). Anosmia and ageusia were more prominent in females. Patients with an "AB" blood group are significantly susceptible to infection. Adults (31 and above) are highly liable to infection. The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking is a risk factor for those above 60 years (odds ratio = 2.228, 95% confidence interval: 1.145-4.336; p = 0.018). Individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes and/or hypertension are more prone to COVID-19 (odds ratio = 10.045, 95% confidence interval: 3.078-32.794; p = 0.000 and odds ratio = 11.508, 95% confidence interval: 3.930-33.695; p = 0.000, respectively).

Conclusion

This study provided for the first time the demographic data and the trend of COVID-19 infection in Libya, which will assist the stakeholders and governmental bodies in planning protection strategies against the pandemic.

Association between Rhesus Blood Groups and Malaria Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In the literature, there was inconsistency in the risk of malaria between individuals with Rhesus blood group positive (Rh+) and negative (Rh-). The systematic review aimed to investigate the risk of malaria among participants with different Rh blood types. All observational studies that reported the occurrence of Plasmodium infection and investigation of the Rh blood group were searched in five databases (Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid). Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology was used to assess the reporting quality in the included studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled log OR and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Database searches yielded a total of 879 articles, of which 36 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. The majority of the included studies (44.4%) revealed that Rh+ individuals had a lower proportion of malaria than Rh- individuals; however, the remaining studies revealed a higher or no difference in the proportion of malaria between Rh+ and Rh- individuals. Overall, with moderate heterogeneity, the pooled results showed no difference in malaria risk between patients with Rh+ and Rh- (p = 0.85, pooled log OR: 0.02, 95% CI: -0.20-0.25, I2: 65.1%, 32 studies). The current study found no link between the Rh blood group and malaria, even though there was a moderate amount of heterogeneity. Further studies using prospective designs and a definitive method for Plasmodium identification are needed to investigate the risk of Plasmodium infection in Rh+ individuals and increase the reliability and quality of these studies.

Association of blood group with COVID-19 disease susceptibility and severity in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus has rapidly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic, making identifying and prioritizing individuals most at risk a critical challenge. The literature describes an association between blood groups and the susceptibility to various viral infections and their severity. Knowing if a specific blood group has more susceptibility to COVID-19 may help improve understanding the pathogenesis and severity of the disease. We aimed to assess the association between ABO/RhD and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity, and to compare results with similar studies in Saudi Arabia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was conducted between March and October 2021 on 600 patients confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection. Patients' data were collected and analyzed. As a control, 8423 healthy blood donors were enrolled as a sample representative of the population for blood group distribution.

RESULTS

More individuals had blood group B in the COVID-19 group in comparison with the control group (24.2% vs. 18%), The opposite was observed among individuals of group O (39.5% vs. 47.3%). The B blood group was predictive of higher risk of mortality. No significant difference in the distribution of RhD was observed between the COVID-19 and the control groups. Neither ABO nor RhD was significantly associated with the severity of COVID-19.

DISCUSSION

Although there was no significant association with the disease severity, the B blood group may be associated with a higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Further studies with a larger sample size are necessary to evaluate this correlation.

Effects of ABO blood groups and RH-factor on COVID-19 transmission, course and outcome: A review

ABO and Rh blood grouping systems are two of the non-modifiable risk factors that play an important role in the susceptibility, severity and outcomes of COVID-19 infection. This review explores these associations all over the world, in an attempt to conclude a clear idea for future reference in clinical practice. In the present review, a link has been drawn between blood groups and COVID-19 transmission, course and prognosis, as literature suggests that blood group O plays a protective role against the infection, while blood group A exhibits a higher risk of exacerbation. In contrast with Rh negative individuals, Rh positive individuals are prone to more severe infection and complications, despite the fact that the underlying mechanisms of this association remain understudied. Nevertheless, the connection remains subject to controversy; since some studies report doubts about it. Thus, this association requires further investigation.

Clinical Characteristics in the Acute Phase of COVID-19 That Predict Long COVID: Tachycardia, Myalgias, Severity, and Use of Antibiotics as Main Risk Factors, While Education and Blood Group B Are Protective

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for developing long COVID are not clearly established. The present study was designed to determine if any sign, symptom, or treatment of the acute phase, or personal characteristics of the patient, is associated with the development of long COVID.

METHODS

A cohort study was carried out, randomly selecting symptomatic COVID-19 patients and not vaccinated. The severity of the acute illness was assessed through the number of compatible COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalizations, and the symptom severity score using a 10-point visual analog scale.

RESULTS

After multivariate analysis, a severity score ≥8 (RR 2.0, 95%CI 1.1-3.5, p = 0.022), hospitalization (RR 2.1, 95%CI 1.0-4.4, p = 0.039), myalgia (RR 1.9, 95%CI 1.08-3.6, p = 0.027), tachycardia (RR 10.4, 95%CI 2.2-47.7, p = 0.003), and use of antibiotics (RR 2.0, 95%CI 1.1-3.5, p = 0.022), was positively associated with the risk of having long COVID. Higher levels of education (RR 0.6, 95%CI 0.4-0.9, p = 0.029) and type positive B blood group (B + AB, RR 0.44, 95%CI 0.2-0.9, p = 0.044) were protective factors. The most important population attributable fractions (PAFs) for long COVID were myalgia (37%), severity score ≥8 (31%), and use of antibiotics (27%).

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies in diverse populations over time are needed to expand the knowledge that could lead us to prevent and/or treat long COVID.

Sex and ABO Blood Differences in SARS-CoV-2 Infection Susceptibility

Data consisting of millions of cases cannot still explain the immunopathogenesis mechanism between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and host cell for ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics. Epidemiological studies among different populations suggested different impacts of ABO and Rh antibodies on the COVID-19 susceptibility. Thus, the ABO blood group and the SARS-CoV-2 infection paradox remain unclear. Therefore, the present retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate the possible association between ABO blood groups and Rh blood types on SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Turkish Cypriot population. A total of 18,639 Turkish Cypriot subjects (297 SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 patients and 18,342 healthy) were included in this study. Personal and clinical characteristics including age, gender, SARS-CoV-2 infection status, the ABO blood group and Rh blood types were evaluated and compared between two groups. As a result, ABO blood group was shown to be associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as with male sex ( p  = 0.018). There was no association between Rh blood type and COVID-19. Overall, this study is the first largest sample group study to show the distribution of ABO blood group and Rh blood types in the healthy Turkish Cypriot population. Based on the current evidence, there are insufficient data to guide public health policies regarding COVID-19 pathogenesis.

ASSOCIATION OF BLOOD TYPE AND MORTALITY OF COVID-19: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY IN NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, INDONESIA

Background

The ABO blood type is crucial in a number of illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and some communicable and non-communicable illnesses. However, there is currently little clear evidence between COVID-19 with ABO blood types. This study was, therefore, aimed to assess the association between ABO blood type and the mortality of patients infected with COVID-19 in a national referral hospital in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods

This study used a retrospective cohort design. The research sample was COVID-19 patients who were in Dr. M. Djamil Hospital Padang. The number of samples in this study was 93 subjects. The Chi-square test was used in the data analysis. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0 program, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The results of this study found the percentage of mortality of COVID-19 patients was higher for blood group O (46.2%), followed by AB (41.7%), B (26.3%), and A (13.9%). There was a relationship between blood type and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (p <0.05), where blood type O had the highest risk (OR = 5.31, 95% CI 1.57-17.98) followed by blood type AB (OR = 4.43, 95% CI 1.01-19.58).

Conclusion

This study confirmed there was a relationship between blood type and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, where blood type O had the highest risk followed by blood type AB.

Semantic and Population Analysis of the Genetic Targets Related to COVID-19 and Its Association with Genes and Diseases

SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for one of the most serious, modern worldwide pandemics, with lasting and multifaceted effects. By late 2021, SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 180 million people and has killed more than 3 million. The virus gains entrance to human cells through binding to ACE2 via its surface spike protein and causes a complex disease of the respiratory system, termed COVID-19. Vaccination efforts are being made to hinder the viral spread, and therapeutics are currently under development. Toward this goal, scientific attention is shifting toward variants and SNPs that affect factors of the disease such as susceptibility and severity. This genomic grammar, tightly related to the dark part of our genome, can be explored through the use of modern methods such as natural language processing. We present a semantic analysis of SARS-CoV-2-related publications, which yielded a repertoire of SNPs, genes, and disease ontologies. Population data from the 1000 Genomes Project were subsequently integrated into the pipeline. Data mining approaches of this scale have the potential to elucidate the complex interaction between COVID-19 pathogenesis and host genetic variation; the resulting knowledge can facilitate the management of high-risk groups and aid the efforts toward precision medicine.

Association of underlying comorbidities and progression of COVID-19 infection amongst 2586 patients hospitalised in the National Capital Region of India: a retrospective cohort study

This study is conducted to observe the association of diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the prognosis and mortality of COVID-19 infection in hospital admitted patients with above mentioned comorbidities. This is a single centre, observational, retrospective study carried out at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India. The burden of comorbidities on the prognosis and clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients admitted patients from April 8, 2020, to October 4, 2020. Chi-square and relative risk test were used to observe the association of comorbidities and disease prognosis. A total of 2586 patients were included in the study consisting of 69.6% of male patients. All the comorbidities were significantly associated with ICU admission and mortality. The relative risk showed that CKD is most prone to severity as well as mortality of the COVID-19 infection followed by HTN and DM. Further with the increase in number of underlying comorbidities, the risk of ICU admission and mortality also increases. Relative risk of the severity of COVID-19 infection in younger patients with underlying comorbidities are relatively at higher risk of severity of disease as well as to mortality compared to the elderly patients with similar underlying condition. Similarly, it is found that females are relatively at higher risk of mortality as compared to the males having same comorbid conditions except for the hypertensive patients. Diabetes, hypertension and CKD, all are associated with progression of COVID-19 disease to severity and higher mortality risk. The number of underlying comorbid condition is directly proportional to the progression of disease severity and mortality.

Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Vaccine Effectiveness Among Omicron and Non-omicron SARS Coronavirus-2 Patients

Introduction The rapidly mutating Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant has replaced the previous dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants like alpha, and delta resulting in the amplification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The present study was conducted to compare the clinical profile and vaccination status in patients infected with Omicron and non-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Methods All patients who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the study period (January 2022 to February 2022) were further tested for detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant by using Omisure kit (TATA MD CHECK RT-PCR, TATA MEDICAL AND DIAGNOSTICS LIMITED, Tamil Nadu, INDIA). Clinico-demographic factors and vaccination status were compared between both Omicron and non-Omicron groups. Results A total of 1,722 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were included in the study, of which 656 (38.1%) were Omicron and 1,066 (61.9%) were non-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Blood group and vaccination status were the major predictors for Omicron. The proportion of male patients was 58.4% in the Omicron group and 57.9% in the non-Omicron group. Maximum cases (86.2%) belonged to >18-60 years age group, 7.3% to >60 years age group, and least to 0-18 years (6.5%). The average age of the study participants was 35.4 ± 14.5 years. Vaccinated participants had less chance of having Omicron than the unvaccinated participants (p-value - 0.003). Fever and loss of smell were found to be significantly associated with the non-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion The present study reflects that the clinical course of the disease is milder in Omicron as compared to the non-Omicron variant. However rapid rise in cases can badly affect the healthcare system demanding good preparedness to tackle all the predicaments. Good Vaccination coverage should be of utmost priority irrespective of the variant type.

Antispike Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) Titer Response of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-Vaccine (BNT162b2): A Monitoring Study on Healthcare Workers

The secretion of IgG SARS-CoV-2 antispike antibodies after vaccination with BNT162b2 and the protection represent the response of the human organism to the viral vector symptomatic infections. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the immune reaction in health workers of the Polyclinic of Bari to identify the relationship of antispike titers with blood type, sex, age, and comorbidities. This prospective observational study (RENAISSANCE) had as its primary endpoint the assessment of serologic response to BNT162b2 at three blood titers: the first at 60 days after the second dose (3 February 2021); the second titer at 75 days after the first titer; and the third titer at 130 days after the second titer. Out of 230 enrolled staff members, all responded excellently to the mRna Pfizer (BNT162b) vaccine. Only one patient, 40 days after the second dose (3 February 2021), was positive on the swab control performed on 15 March 2021, although completely asymptomatic, and was negative on the subsequent molecular swab performed on 30 March 2021. All the patients responded to the mRNA Pfizer (BNT162b) vaccine with an antispike IgG level above 500 BAU/mL at the first antispike protein essay (60 days after the second dose on 3 April 2021); at the second titer (75 days after the first titer on 20 June 2021), 4 (1.7% of 230 enrolled) patients showed an antispike IgG level under 500 BAU/mL; at the third titer (130 days after the second titer on 30 June 2021, which means 9 months after the second dose), 37 (16.1% of 230 enrolled) patients showed an antispike IgG level under 500 BAU/mL. The data analysis demonstrated that patients belonging to blood group 0, regardless of their rhesus factor, showed the strongest level of antibodies compared to the other groups. No dependency was found between low antibodies level and sex or age. Molecular swab controls were performed every 15th of the month continuously. However, the enrolled patients' activity was at high risk because they carried out medical activities such as dental and surgical as well with droplets of water vaporized by the effect of turbines, piezosurgery. The vaccination campaign among health workers of the Policlinico of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" led to an excellent serological response and the complete absence of COVID-19 incident cases, so the antibody response was excellent. The COVID-19 vaccine booster shot should be administered after 9 months and not without prompt antispike titer detection to assess if any sign of waning immunity is present in that specific patient.

Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Potential Determinants among the Belgian Adult Population: Baseline Results of a Prospective Cohort Study

The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and potential determinants were assessed in a random sample representative of the Belgian adult population. In total, 14,201 individuals (≥18 years) were invited by mail to provide saliva via an Oracol^® swab. Survey weights were applied, and potential determinants were estimated using multivariable logistic regressions. Between March and August 2021, 2767 individuals participated in the first data collection. During this period, which coincided with the onset of the vaccination campaign, the seroprevalence in the population increased from 25.2% in March/April to 78.1% in July. Among the vaccinated there was an increase from 74,2% to 98.8%; among the unvaccinated, the seroprevalence remained stable (around 17%). Among the vaccinated, factors significantly associated with the presence of antibodies were: having at least one chronic disease (OR_a 0.22 (95% CI 0.08–0.62)), having received an mRNA-type vaccine (OR_a 5.38 (95% CI 1.72–16.80)), and having received an influenza vaccine in 2020–2021 (OR_a 3.79 (95% CI 1.30–11.07)). Among the unvaccinated, having a non-O blood type (OR_a 2.00 (95% CI 1.09–3.67)) and having one or more positive COVID-19 tests (OR_a 11.04 (95% CI 4.69–26.02)) were significantly associated. This study provides a better understanding of vaccine- and/or natural-induced presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and factors that are associated with this presence.