A New Study Explores ABO/Rh Blood Groups in Chikungunya Infection

Dr. Rasaratnam Karunaithas, Lecturer in Medical Laboratory Sciences, recently co-authored a research article titled “Association Between ABO or Rh Blood Groups and Chikungunya Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”, published in the journal Medicina (https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/8/1316). The study explores the potential relationship between blood group types and susceptibility to Chikungunya virus infection. The findings suggest that blood group O is significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to Chikungunya viral infection. However, no consistent associations were identified with other ABO or Rh blood groups. Given the considerable variability among studies and certain limitations, the authors emphasise the need for more rigorous and large-scale investigations to validate these observations.