Posted on 06/29/2023 3:28:24 PM PDT by nickcarraway
People with type A blood are likely more susceptible to COVID-19 infections, because the spike protein of the virus shows an affinity for blood group A cells, according to a new study in Blood.
This is the strongest evidence to date to support the idea that blood types influence who is more likely to contract COVID-19.
Moreover, the study shows the spike protein's affinity for type A cells may be amplified by the Omicron strain of the virus.
25% to 50% increased infection for type A The study looked at the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, which facilitates host cell engagement. RBD is very similar to galectins, a family of carbohydrate binding proteins that can be studied in a lab setting.
Blood group antigens are carbohydrates, so the authors compared the glycan binding specificity of the SARS-COV-2 RBD with galectins in blood cells from both type A and O. The SARS-CoV-2 virus showed a strong affinity for type A cells. Depending on what virus variant was used, a likelihood of infection increased by 25% to 50% compared to type O cells.
Not only did each RBD recognize blood group A in a glycan array format, the authors explained mutations in variant strains of the virus can be found in regions of the RBD predicted to recognize glycans. Those changes enhanced blood group A binding, the authors said.
Other risk factors more important These lab findings match clinical observations, which show people with type A blood have demonstrated as much as a 47% increase in likelihood to get infected with COVID-19.
Among a group of several thousand people, some studies suggest that those with blood group A may be 20% more likely to be infected. "Among a group of several thousand people, some studies suggest that those with blood group A may be 20% more likely to be infected after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared with those who have blood group O. But people with blood group O can still contract the virus and may transmit it to others," said Sean R. Stowell, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, in a press release.
Stowell said, though important, blood type does not rank as high as factors such as age and chronic conditions in determining individuals' risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
"Blood group is one of many variables that influence one's likelihood of becoming infected following exposure to SARS-CoV-2," he said. "Regardless of their blood group, individuals should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and should continue to take other preventive measures appropriate to their risk level."
A+ here too. Got the Wuhan/Fauci Virus in July 2020 and damn near killed me but I got through it at home. My titer is off the scale as I had it tested. There is no reason for me to get any experimental injection. I too am 70. I believed that the vaccination in the face of an epidemic is folly and epidemiology 101 teaches this. The Barrington Group had it right and the use of hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin early in the viremic phase was also effective. Politics, corrupt physicians, corrupt members of NIH and CDC handled this epidemic horribly.
Yep - I’m A+ and 70 - wife is B- and 73 - and we both had it and fared just fine (PS - I caught it from her)
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