Association of ABO Blood Groups With Dengue Fever and its Severity: A Study in Surabaya, Indonesia

Background: 

Indonesia, a dengue-endemic country, has high morbidity and mortality rates. Dengue infection manifestations vary from asymptomatic to mild to severe. One of the risk factors for infection that plays a role in this severity is blood type. A better understanding of the risk factors for dengue infection is required to prevent and control it.

Methods: 

This analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted at three hospitals in Surabaya from March to May 2013. Consecutive sampling included 95 patients aged >12 years with confirmed dengue infection (IgM/IgG positive) and without comorbid severe illness. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and checklists, with informed consent obtained. Laboratory examinations included ABO blood grouping and dengue serology (IgM/ IgG) using standardized procedures. Dengue severity was classified according to WHO criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0 with chi-square tests, considering p < 0.05 statistically significant. 

Results: 

The risk factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) associated with ABO blood type were investigated. The most common blood groups in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever were O (47.3 %) and AB (8.4 %). According to this study, there were significant differences in the severity of dengue infection based on the blood type (p = 0.019). Moreover, we observed that patients with blood type B tended to develop more severe dengue infections. 

Conclusions:

This study indicates that blood type B is more susceptible to dengue severity; however, other factors can also affect severity in addition to blood type.