Genetic testing firm 23andMe shows certain blood types are less likely to contract coronavirus

The company in April launched a study using the millions of profiles in its DNA database to shed light on the role genetics play in the disease

Preliminary results from more than 750,000 participants suggests type O blood is especially protective against the coronavirus

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The research found that individuals with type O blood are between 9 per cent and 18 per cent less likely than individuals with other blood types to have tested positive for the virus. Photo: Handout

Published: 8:30pm, 9 Jun 2020Updated: 8:44pm, 9 Jun 2020

Research from genetic testing giant 23andMe found differences in a gene that influences a person’s blood type can affect a person’s susceptibility to Covid-19.

Scientists have been looking at genetic factors to try to determine why some people who contract the new coronavirus experience no symptoms, while others become gravely ill. In April, 23andMe launched a study that sought to use the millions of profiles in its DNA database to shed light on the role genetics play in the disease.

Preliminary results from more than 750,000 participants suggests type O blood is especially protective against Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, the company said on Monday. The findings echo other research that has indicated a link between variations in the ABO gene and Covid-19.

Many other groups, including 23andMe competitor Ancestry, are combing the genome to help make sense of the virus. It is known that factors such as age and underlying health conditions can determine how people fare once they’ve contracted Covid-19.

But those factors alone don’t explain the wide diversity of symptoms, or why some people contract the disease and others don’t. Studying the genetics of the people who are more susceptible to Sars-CoV-2 could help identify and protect those more at risk, as well as help speed treatment and drug development.

Several other studies looking at both severity of illness and susceptibility to disease have also suggested blood type plays a role.

Research published last week prior to peer review suggested blood type may play a role in the severity of patients’ reactions to Sars-CoV-2. That study looked at the genes of more than 1,600 patients in Italy and Spain who experienced respiratory failure and found that having type A blood was linked to a 50 per cent increase in the likelihood a patient would require a ventilator. An earlier Chinese study turned up similar results regarding a person’s susceptibility to Covid-19.

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