The Relation Of Falciparum Infection With Human Blood Groups

Relation of Falciparum

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The ABO blood group is arguably the best known, yet the most functionally mysterious, genetic polymorphism in human. A number of studies have shown the susceptibility to several infectious diseases is related to patient’s blood group. Malaria is one of the diseases and Malaria remains the most complex and overwhelming health problem facing humanity especially in the vast majority of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The resurgence of malaria is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world including India. It is therefore important to identify the factors which contribute to susceptibility of hosts. AIM: In order to study the distribution and correlate the incidence of ABO blood group in healthy individuals and Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients admitted in Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad with Plasmodium falciparum infection. To evaluate the morbidity and mortality associated with Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection. To figure out the correlation between ABO blood group and complications caused by Plasmodium Falciparum infection. To find out the blood group which confer some resistance against the plasmodium falciparum malaria infection. Methods: The study conducted from January 2009 to August-2010 (1year, 8 months) on 62 diagnosed cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients admitted in Civil Hospital, Ahmadabad. Patients who were tested positive for plasmodium falciparum and treated for the same in the indoor wards of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad were taken for study. Observation and Results: out of 62 cases 21 (33.80) were in blood group A, 19 (30.64) were in blood group B, 7(11.29) were in blood group AB and 15 (24.20) were in blood group O. Out of 660 controls selected 161 (24.39%) were of blood group A, 224 (33.93%) were of blood group B, 68 (10.30%) of blood group AB and 207 (31.36%) belonged to blood group O. Conclusion: So we see through Statistical data that although blood group B is commonest in controls but in patients plasmodium falciparum malaria blood group A (33.80%) followed by blood group B (30.64%), blood group O was at 3rd place and AB was least common in cases. By Statistical data there is high relative risk in blood group A (1.38) followed by blood group AB (1.09). Distribution of blood group in healthy individual shows blood group B is more common in India followed by group O then group A and lastly group AB, whereas falciparum malaria incidence is highest in group A (high relative risk is present) followed by group B, then group O and least in group AB. Incidence of malaria is seen higher among young age group (below 30 years) and in male sex probably due to occupational exposure.Highest morbidity and complications are observed in group A followed by group B. Group O appears to be immune to severe complications of falciparum malaria. Mortality is seen equally in group A and B. Death is not noted in group O. As blood group O reduces plasmodium rosseting.