The role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of neglected tropical diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: According to the WHO neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over 2 billion people worldwide. While the links between nutrition and many diseases have become clear over recent decade NTDs have lagged behind and the linkage with nutrition is largely unknown. We conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the current status of research on the role of diet in the pathogenesis of NTDs.
Methodology: PubMed Embase Scopus and African Journal online databases were searched using predefined search terms. We included all original articles with a case-control design and at least one NTD. The studies had to compare the nutritional parameters between the infected and uninfected. Articles that did not report original data were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled estimates were conducted using the random-effects model. The publication bias of studies was determined by funnel plots. Q and I2 statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies.
Results: After screening 1294 articles only 16 qualified for the systematic review and 12 for meta-analysis. These predominately had a focus on soil-transmitted helminthiasis (ascariasis hookworm diseases trichuriasis) and schistosomiasis with a minority concerning leishmaniasis and leprosy. Pooled estimates showed an association between intestinal parasites and stunting in children (OR= 1.38 95%CI: 1.14-1.66 I2 = 0%). We also identified a moderate association established between blood iron deficiency (OR=4.67 95%CI: 1.91-11.44) and intestinal parasites.
Conclusions/Significance: Of the 20 NTDs the links between diet and disease have been explored only for a very few. There is a paucity of data from low and middle-income countries and least developed countries where the NTD burden is high. Therefore more research into the role of nutrition in NTD infection is recommended.
The Microbiome of C. elegans Enhances Growth of S. aureus During Infection
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen associated with a wide range of infections. The microbiome consisting of diverse microbial communities has been recognized as a critical factor in modulating host-pathogen interactions. This study aimed to investigate the role of the Caenorhabditis elegans microbiome in Staphylococcus aureus infection by transferring worms from the standard laboratory food source (OP50) or a microbiome sample to S. aureus cultures. Our findings revealed that the C. elegans microbiome paradoxically enhanced Staphylococcus aureus colonization resulting in increased pathogen burden compared to worms transferred from E.coli OP50. These results underscore the importance of the microbiome in modulating host susceptibility.
Genomic analysis of Oceanotoga teriensis strain UFV_LIMV02, a multidrug-resistant thermophilic bacterium isolated from an offshore oil reservoir
Bacteria of the species Oceanotoga teriensis belong to the Family Petrotogaceae are moderately thermophilic and are included in the group of thiosulfate-reducing bactéria (TRB) being able to accelerate corrosion in metallic structures significantly. The O. teriensis strain UFV_LIMV02 was isolated from water samples from the separator of an offshore oil extraction platform in the Campos basin in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). In this work we describe the man phenotypic and genotypic characteristics mainly related to hydrogen sulfide production and antimicrobial resistance to different classes of antibiotics. We also systematically investigate the presence of CRISPR-Cas loci and prophages. Through H2S titration it was possible to verify thexistence of 150 ppm of hydrogen sulfide in the solution. It presented a genome with 2812778 bp in size with 26% of GC content organized into 34 contigs 2629 genes encoding candidate proteins and identified 51 genes of different RNAs. The search for CRISPRs systems in the genome of the isolate allowed us to identify the presence of four CRISPRs arrays classified as type I-B and III-B with the presence of 272 different spacers which could provide the strain with immunity to other mobile genetic elements and infection by bacteriophages. Genomic analysis using RAST revealed the presence of resistance genes for the class of beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones; however when evaluating the antimicrobial resistance of the isolate using the disk diffusion technique it was possible to confirm not only the resistance to B-lactams and fluoroquinolones but also to four other classes of antibiotics: aminoglycoside sulfonamide lincosamide and rifamycin a total of 14 antibiotics probably due to the presence of mechanisms capable of expelling the antibiotic from the cells such as efflux pumps allowing them to grow in the presence of these antimicrobials. The results found in this study provide indications that residues from offshore oil exploration may represent a risk for the dissemination of ARGs due to the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. More comprehensive studies are needed on the microbial community present in oil tailings to assess the risks to public health.
Science in Schools: combining language and microbiology engagement during a pandemic
This paper presents an public engagement pedagogy designed to engage Key Stage-one and -two students. The activities were developed for a British Council Science-in-Schools visit allowing UK-based researchers to visit French territory schools delivering activities in English. Focusing on infection transmission our event aimed to enhance understanding of infection transmission concepts (coughing sneezing handwashing and surface contamination). Additionally we hosted a "masterclass" session for teachers demonstrating the activities and discussing their integration into classroom settings. Here we present lesson plans for both student- and teacher-focused sessions and detailed protocol and demonstration video for each activity. We also include vocabulary lists and flashcards which were used within the sessions to aid student comprehension of the activities and support further discussion around key concepts and findings. Finally we present a brief reflective evaluation of the visit and offer considerations for others wishing to use the materials as part of their pedagogy practice. There was a positive reception to the activities among both students and teachers. Here the activities were used with French-speaking students developing English language skills but we believe that these activities could be used with a wide range of ages scientific literacy and event types. In conclusion this paper underscores the significance of public engagement pedagogy in fostering health literacy and empowering young learners to make informed decisions regarding personal and community well-being. By combining interactive methodologies with targeted public health interventions we aim to inspire a generation of proactive global citizens equipped to address contemporary health challenges.
A comparative in silico analysis of the vlhA gene regions of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Myc. synoviae isolates from commercial hen farms in Mexico.
Avian mycoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma synoviae and Myc. gallisepticum poses significant economic challenges due to respiratory issues reduced production and soft eggshells. The hemagglutinin (vlhA) protein crucial for pathogenicity comprises conserved (MSPB) and variable (MSPA) regions. In this study we examined vlhA sequences from field strains in Mexico's central region (Jalisco and Mexico City) revealing a close cluster relationship distinct from sequences in GeneBank. We analyzed 124 deformed eggs and 10 laying hens from nine farms with Hy-line and Bovans breeds. Using PCR targeting mgc2 and 16S RNAr genes we characterized 24 field strains Mycoplasma synoviae (4) and Myc. gallisepticum (20). The vlhA regions based on AF035624.1 sequences were analyzed with ATTC strains as positive controls. Additionally 20 negative samples at Mycoplasma isolation validated the sensitivity of PCR testing without the need of cultivation. Two amplification regions were identified: the 1st MSPB and 2nd MSPA. Bioanalysis revealed relationships with relatives avian Mycoplasma sequences in GenBank alongside similarities with Acholeplasma laidlawii PG8 and Escherichia coli. Given vlhA's significance in pathogenicity and immune evasion the identified conserved sequences hold potential as therapeutic targets and for phylogenetic studies.
Emerging challenge of Linezolid and Vancomycin resistant Enterococci faecium:First case report from Northern Pakistan
Enterococcus faecium are among the most versatile pathogens found to infect hospitalized patients. Resistance against anti-enterococcal antibiotics is gaining access day to day and among them linezolid resistant vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium is a nightmare for the clinicians especially in a resource limited country like Pakistan.
A 72 year old patient presented with collection of pus and necrosis around the head of pancreases. These pockets of pus resulted as acute postsurgical complication along with surgical site infection. Pus was processed according to clinical guidelines. Enterococcus faecium was identified and confirmed by VITEK. Isolate was resistant to vancomycin and linezolid. Tigecyclin was the only option for this patient due to unavailability of quinupristin/dalfopristin as a treatment option. A regular follow up was done and patient was discharged after recovery.
Linezolid and Vancomycin resistant Enterococci (LRVRE) is the result of non-implementation of antimicrobial stewardship and it can be followed with further resistance in Enterococcus which can be havoc. Clinicians infection control team and microbiologist should work together to overcome antimicrobial resistance crises.
Meropenem resistant Burkholderia pseudomallei - A concerning single case in Australia with no prior meropenem exposure
We report a case of cutaneous melioidosis in a 54-year-old male with a meropenem resistant sub-population. He was empirically treated with episodic doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole however the abscess re-accumulated. The patient had no prior exposure to meropenem. A sub-population of the isolate was meropenem resistant with an MIC>32 µg/ml and the identification was re-confirmed as B. pseudomallei. Whole genome sequencing with ARDaP analysis only revealed a resistance determinant to doxycycline and it didn’t reveal a resistance determinant to meropenem. Furthermore no carbapenemases were detected through multiple bioinformatics tools. To date this is the first reported case in Australia of a B. pseudomallei isolate resistant to meropenem without previous carbapenem exposure.
Characteristics of soil origin Pseudomonas batumici Koz11 isolated from a remote island in Japan
Soil samples from a remote Japanese island (Kozushima) were processed and investigated for organisms exhibiting antimicrobial activity against pathogenic strains. A Pseudomonas strain demonstrating antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was observed leading to further investigation. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify species and phylogenetic analysis followed by in silico molecular analysis. Chemotaxonomic and biochemical analyses were conducted to characterize the strain further. Genomic analysis identified a strain of interest Pseudomonas batumici (P. batumici) a strain initially isolated from soil of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in 1980. P. batumici Koz11 is the second P. batumici strain isolated and identified outside the area where it was first found. Similar to the type strain P. batumici Koz11 showed antimicrobial activity against various S. aureus strains including vancomycin-resistant S. aureus. However the previously reported gene cluster known as the "batumin gene cluster" which synthesizes antimicrobial compounds was absent from P. batumici Koz11. This study provides insights on P. batumici that were not previously known. Since the type of strain of P. batumici is exclusively deposited in the Ukrainian Collection of Microorganisms the Koz11 strain may be a surrogate to facilitate continued study of P. batumici.
Development of selective isolation media for detecting Actinomyces and Schaalia genera from oral specimens containing indigenous bacteria
To isolate specific bacteria from samples constituting the microbiota it is essential to employ selective media that suppress the growth of resident bacteria other than specific target bacteria. Selective media for clinically important Actinomyces (including Schaalia which was previously taxonomically classified as part of the Actinomyces genus) have been limited because they have been designed for a limited range of species within the genus and require ingredients which are difficult to prepare and handle. This study aimed to develop a selective medium (referred to as Actinomyces and Schaalia Selective Medium (ASSM)) for the isolation of a broad range of Actinomyces and Schaalia species from samples mixed with resident bacteria. The composition of ASSM includes yeast extract agar brain heart infusion (BHI) levofloxacin (LVFX) fosfomycin (FOM) colistin (CL) and metronidazole (MNZ). Evaluation of the medium using 24 swab samples serially collected from the roots of the teeth of a healthy individual for whom metagenome sequencing data of a saliva sample are publicly available revealed that ASSM adjusted to concentrations of LVFX 0.5 mg/L FOM 5 mg/L CL 1 mg/L and MNZ 2 mg/L and cultured anaerobically at 35°C for 7 days enabled the isolation of Actinomyces species from 37.5% of the samples. The inclusion of CL and MNZ in ASSM can also be useful for samples suspected of harbouring other bacterial species. The selective isolation medium is expected to contribute to studies investigating the relationship between these bacteria and their pathogenesis or disease.
Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus viral FLICE inhibitory protein modulates A20 deubiquitinase activity
KSHV viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) is a potent activator of NF-κB signaling and an inhibitor of apoptosis and autophagy. Inhibition of vFLIP function and NF-κB signaling promotes lytic reactivation. Here we provide evidence for a novel function of vFLIP through inhibition of the deubiquitinating (DUB) activity of the negative regulator A20. We demonstrate direct interaction of vFLIP with Itch and A20 and provide evidence for subsequent loss of A20 DUB activity. Our results provide further insight into the function of vFLIP in the regulation of NF-κB signaling.
Unearthing New Learning Opportunities: Adapting and Innovating through the “Antibiotics Under Our Feet” Citizen Science Project in Scotland during COVID-19
“Antibiotics under our feet” is a Scottish citizen science project that aimed to raise science capital in primary school learners and their teachers through measurement of microbial diversity in urban soil samples in the search for novel antimicrobial compounds. Resistance to antibiotics is rising posing a global threat to human health. Furthermore science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are in crisis jeopardising our capacity to mobilise as a society to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Originally conceived as a response to the AMR and STEM emergencies our project was hit by the unprecedented challenge of engaging with schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe how we adapted our project to enable remote participation from primary schools and youth groups utilising COVID-19 response initiatives as opportunities for multi-level co-creation of resources with learners in primary secondary and higher education. We produced portable kit boxes for soil sample collection with learning activities and videos linked to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. We also addressed glaring project specific content gaps relating to microbiology on English and Simple English Wikipedia. Our hybrid model of working extended our geographical reach and broadened inclusion. We present here the inception implementation digital resource outputs and evaluation of pedagogical aspects of “Antibiotics under our feet”. Our strategies and insights are applicable post-pandemic for educators to develop STEM skills using soil microbes and antibiotics as a theme.
How suitable is freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1759) for time-integrated biomonitoring of microbial water quality?
Faecal pollution of water by bacteria has a negative effect on water quality and can pose a potential health hazard. Conventional surveillance of microbial water quality relies on the analysis of low frequency spot samples and is thus likely to miss episodic or periodic pollution. This study aimed to investigate the potential of filter feeding sponges for time-integrated biomonitoring of microbial water quality. Laboratory trials tested the effects of different ratios of bacterial abundance and the sequence of exposure on bacterial retention by the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus 1759) to establish its potential to indicate bacterial exposure.
Gemmule grown sponges were simultaneously exposed to Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis but at different ratios (Trial 1) or individually exposed to each bacterial species but in different sequential order (Trial 2). The E. coli and E. faecalis retained in each sponge was quantified by culture on selective agars. Data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal- Wallis test and/ or the Mann Whitney U test to compare between the numbers of bacteria retained in each treatment. Additionally the Wilcoxon Matched-Paired Signed-Rank test was used for comparison of the different bacterial abundances retained within each individual sponge.
Sponges from all trials retained E. coli and E. faecalis in small numbers relative to the exposure (<0.05% Trial 1 and <0.07% Trial 2) but exhibited higher retention of E. coli. Higher abundance of either bacterial species resulted in significantly lower (p<0.005) retention of the same species within sponges (Trial 1). An initial exposure to E. coli resulted in significantly higher (p=0.040) retention of both bacterial species than when sponges were exposed to E. faecalis first (Trial 2).
Bacterial retention by sponges was neither quantitatively representative of bacterial abundance in the ambient water nor the sequence of exposure. This implies either selective filtration or an attempt by sponges to prevent infection. However freshwater sponges may still be useful in biomonitoring as qualitative time-integrated samplers of faecal indicator bacteria as they detect different bacteria present in the water even if their quantities cannot be estimated.
Draft genome sequence of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus isolated from traditional fermented rice
Lactiplantibacillus pentosus is a probiotic bacterium reported to be present in various fermented foods such as fermented olives and it significantly influences human health. The present study concerns a lactic acid bacterial strain designated L. pentosus isolated from traditional fermented rice and has been shown to have an assortment of beneficial attributes. Using Illumina technologies we have sequenced and investigated the whole genome sequence of L. pentosus for an accurate understanding of its functionality and safety. The chromosomal genome was 3.7 Mbp in size with 46% GC (Guanine-Cytosine) content and 3192 protein-coding sequences. In accordance with this additional extensive bioinformatics investigations were carried out involving whole genome sequence assembly and annotation.
Comparative virulome analysis of four Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from human skin and platelet concentrates using whole genome sequencing
Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the predominant bacterial contaminants in platelet concentrates (PCs) a blood component used to treat bleeding disorders. PCs are a unique niche that triggers biofilm formation the main contributor to S. epidermidis infections. We performed whole genome sequencing of four S. epidermidis strains isolated from the skin of healthy human volunteers (AZ22 and AZ39) and contaminated PCs (ST10002 and ST11003) to unravel phylogenetic relationships and decipher virulence mechanisms compared to 25 complete S. epidermidis genomes in GenBank. AZ39 and ST11003 formed a separate unique lineage with 14.1.R1 and SE95 strains while AZ22 formed a cluster with 1457 and ST10002 closely grouped with FDAAGOS_161. The four isolates were assigned to sequence types ST1175 ST1174 ST73 and ST16 respectively. All four genomes exhibited biofilm-associated genes ebh ebp sdrG sdrH and atl. Additionally AZ22 had sdrF and aap whereas ST10002 had aap and icaABCDR. Notably AZ39 possesses truncated ebh and sdrG and harbors a toxin encoding gene. All isolates carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin (fosB) β-lactams (blaZ) and fluoroquinolones (norA). This study revealed a unique lineage for S. epidermidis and provided insight into the genetic basis of virulence and antibiotic resistance in transfusion-associated S. epidermidis strains.
Nasopharyngeal carriage rate, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial profiles of Streptococcus pneumoniae among patients with acute respiratory tract infection in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
We studied the carriage rate distribution of serotype and antimicrobial profile of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) among patients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in two primary health centers and a tertiary referral hospital from 2019 to 2020 in Manado North Sulawesi Indonesia before 13-valent PCV (PCV13) introduction. 106 nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from children and adult patients. Serotyping of S. pneumoniae strain was performed with sequential multiplex PCR and Quellung reaction. Antimicrobial profile was performed by the disk diffusion method. We identified thirty-one patients carried S. pneumoniae strains (29%). The S. pneumoniae carriage rate was found to be higher among children aged 2-5 years (13/32; 40.6%) than in children under 1 year (8/27; 29.6%) children and adolescents under 18 years of age (5/20; 25.0%) and adult patients (5/27; 18.5%). The distribution of serotypes varied including 14 18C 19A 23F 19F and 35B (two strains each) and 1 3 6B 6C 31 9V 15C 16F 17F 23A 35F (one strain each) and non-typeable (9/31; 29%). We found S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (30/31; 97%) chloramphenicol (29/31; 94%) clindamycin (29/31; 94%) erythromycin (22/31; 71%) azithromycin (22/31; 71%) tetracycline (14/31; 45%) penicillin (11/31; 35%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (10/31; 32%). This study provides supporting baseline data on distribution of serotype and antimicrobial profile of S. pneumoniae among patients with ARTI before PCV13 introduction in Manado North Sulawesi Indonesia.
Effect of Chemotherapeutic Agents on Natural Transformation Frequency in Acinetobacter baylyi
Natural transformation is the ability of a bacterial cell to take up extracellular DNA which is subsequently available for recombination into the chromosome (or maintenance as an extrachromosomal element). Like other mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer natural transformation is a significant driver for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Recent studies have shown that many pharmaceutical compounds such as antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs can upregulate transformation frequency in the model species Acinetobacter baylyi. Chemotherapeutic compounds have been shown to increase abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes and increase colonisation rates of potentially pathogenic bacteria in patient gastrointestinal tracts indicating an increased risk of infection and providing a pool of pathogenicity or resistance genes for transformable commensal bacteria. We here test for the effect of six cancer chemotherapeutic compounds on A. baylyi natural transformation frequency finding two compounds docetaxel and daunorubicin to significantly decrease transformation frequency and daunorubicin to also decrease growth rate significantly. Enhancing our understanding of the effect of chemotherapeutic compounds on the frequency of natural transformation could aid in preventing the horizontal spread of antimicrobial resistance genes.
Hybrid Illumina-Nanopore assembly improves identification of multilocus sequence types and antimicrobial resistance genes of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Vermont dairy farms: comparison to Illumina-only and R9.4.1 nanopore-only assemblies
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus aureus is a pressing public health challenge with significant implications for the dairy industry encompassing bovine mastitis concerns and potential zoonotic threats. To delve deeper into the resistance mechanisms of S. aureus this study employed a hybrid whole genome assembly approach that synergized the precision of Illumina with the continuity of Oxford Nanopore. A total of 62 isolates collected from multiple sources from Vermont dairy farms were sequenced using the GridION Oxford Nanopore R9.4.1 platform and the Illumina platform and subsequently processed through our specialized bioinformatics pipeline. Our analyses showcased the hybrid-assembled genome's superior completeness compared to Oxford Nanopore (R9.4.1)-only or Illumina-only assembled genomes. Furthermore the hybrid assembly accurately determined multilocus sequence typing (MLST) strain types across all isolates. The comprehensive probe for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) using databases like CARD Resfinder and MEGARES 2.0 characterized AMR in S. aureus isolates from Vermont dairy farms and revealed the presence of notable resistance genes including beta-lactam genes blaZ blaI and blaR. In conclusion the hybrid assembly approach emerges as a tool for uncovering the genomic nuances of S. aureus isolates collected from multiple sources on dairy farms. Our findings offer a pathway for detecting AMR gene prevalence and shaping AMR management strategies crucial for safeguarding human and animal health.
Multifocal tuberculosis revealed by a sternal swelling in an immunocompetent child
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common pathogens of bacterial lung infections specially in underdevelopoed nations like morocco where the incidence of TB was 97 cases per 100000 person in 2019. Thanks to its national TB prevention and control plan Morocco was able to acheive a remarkable progress in management of TB with 80% reduction in the total number patients diagnosed with TB between 1980 and 2018. The national plan also allowed to reach and maintain a therapeutic rate above 86% since 2002. extrapulmonary TB primarily affects the primary weight bearing joints and the spine. Sternal TB is a rare clinical condition accounting for 1% of all musculoskeletal TB cases. Due to its rarity and the lack of awareness of the clinicals presentations The diagnosis of sternal TB can be quite complex. we describe the case of a 14 year old moroccan patient consulting in the military hospital mohammed V Rabat with central chest pain for four months. The pain was not associated to breathing physical exercise or eating. with a history of asthenia fever and weight loss. A ct scan of the chest showed a destructive lesions of the sternum. thereafter a chirurgical biopsy was performed and enabled to confirm the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis thanks to the realization of the RT-PCR. The anti-tuberculosis therapy was given to the patient who had complete resolution of symptoms. This condition should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic chest pain that mimics costochondritis particularly in patients from endemic areas.
Genome sequence of the bialaphos producer Streptomyces sp. DSM 41527 and two putative phosphonate antibiotic producers Streptomyces sp. DSM 41014 and DSM 41981 from the DSMZ strain collection
Streptomyces sp. DSM 41014 DSM 41527 and DSM 41981 are three strains from the DSMZ strain collection. Here we present the draft genome sequences of DSM 41014 DSM 41527 and DSM 41981 with a size of 9.09 Mb 845 Mb and 923 Mb respectively.
Relationship between Blood Group (ABO) and Risk of COVID-19 Infection in a Patient Cohort in Tehran, Iran
Background and purpose: Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a contagious disease causing severe acute respiratory syndrome which had a catastrophic effect on the world population and resulted in more than 2.9 million deaths worldwide. Epidemiological investigations have recently announced blood type has an association with the incidence of COVID-19 infection. Consequently research in this regard can be effective in determining a person's susceptibility to a viral infection. Therefore we investigated the relationship between blood types and the risk of COVID-19 in patients admitted to Khorshid laboratory Tehran Iran.
Materials and methods: From January to March 2020 50 nasal and throat swap samples of patients’ secretions were obtained from patients who were admitted to Khorshid laboratory. They were confirmed to have COVID-19 virus RNA and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ABI and their blood type was determined simultaneously. After collecting data to determine the relationship between COVID-19 infection and blood type a confidence interval of 90% was considered using SPSS 16.
Results: The mean age of the patients was measured at 38.4±6.3 years. According to PCR results 100% of the subjects with COVID-19 showed blood type A. In addition the ratio of blood type A to the percentage of reference type O was higher (P=0.009).
Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between ABO blood type and susceptibility to COVID-19. As the current study suggests those with blood type A are at a higher COVID-19 infection risk than those with blood type O.