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Note: This article was published during the early COVID-19 pandemic period. The research on blood type and COVID-19 risk described below reflects studies conducted in 2020 and 2021. The scientific understanding of COVID-19 has continued to evolve since publication.
A study released during the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the connection between blood type and COVID-19 infection. Scientists reported that the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is attracted to the blood group A antigen found on respiratory cells.
What Scientists Learned About Blood Type A and COVID-19
Researchers found that there appears to be a link between blood type and the risk of COVID-19 infection. Studies found that people with blood type A tend to have increased susceptibility to coronavirus infection and also have an increased risk of having more severe COVID-19. The studies also found that people with blood type O are more likely to have less severe COVID-19 infections.
The association between blood type and COVID-19 risk was a debated topic, with some researchers finding an association and others finding no association. Research published in the journal Blood Advances appeared to substantiate that blood type does impact risk from COVID-19 infection.
The study found that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to blood group A antigens found on respiratory cells. Specifically, the receptor binding domain of the spike protein showed coronavirus binding strongest to the lung cells of people with blood type A.
How the Medical Community Can Use This Information
A person's blood type is inherited and is determined by the ABO gene. Even though blood type cannot be changed, this research can help scientists find new medicines, methods of prevention, and treatments that may be personalized based on blood type.
For example, a treatment may be developed that works better in people with blood type A, while a different treatment may work best in people with blood types B and O.
How You Can Use This Information
Knowing your blood type can provide insight into COVID-19 infection risk and severity. Those with blood type A appear to be more likely to become infected by the virus and have an increased risk of suffering a severe infection and complications leading to hospitalization.
While everyone should consider following public health guidance regardless of blood type, those with blood type A may want to discuss their risk profile with their healthcare provider.
Discover Your Blood Type With Sequencing
If you have not yet had your blood type determined, whole genome sequencing from Sequencing can reveal your blood type along with a comprehensive picture of your genetic health. Through the Partner Marketplace, you can access a wide range of DNA analysis apps and reports covering health, wellness, ancestry, and more.
If you have already taken a DNA test from 23andMe, Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, or a similar genetic testing company, those companies typically do not provide your blood type. However, the raw DNA data from those tests does contain the information needed to determine your blood type. You can upload your DNA data to Sequencing for free and use apps in the Partner Marketplace to analyze your results.
Once your data is stored in your Sequencing account, you can use a wide range of free and paid DNA analysis apps and reports to transform your DNA data into useful health and ancestry information.
Additional Information About Blood Type and COVID-19
You can also learn more about Coronavirus and DNA by reading these articles in the Education Center:
- My DNA and COVID-19: What's My Risk?
- Blood Type and COVID: Infection Risk and Severity
- Where Can I Get My Blood Type Checked for Free
Questions? Contact us with any questions you may have about DNA testing and analysis.
To order Whole Genome Sequencing, visit the Sequencing store.
Already have DNA data from another provider? Sequencing works with raw data files from virtually all testing companies including 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, and many more. Upload your data for free and start exploring personalized insights across over 30,000 genes.