Blood group O protects against severe malaria
Malaria has been a major selective force on the human population, and several erythrocyte polymorphisms have evolved that confer resistance to severe malaria. Plasmodium falciparum rosetting, a parasite virulence phenotype associated with severe malaria, is reduced in blood group O erythrocytes compared with groups A, B, and AB, but the contribution of the ABO blood group system to protection against severe malaria has received little attention. We hypothesized that blood group O may confer resistance to severe falciparum malaria through the mechanism of reduced rosetting. In a matched case-control study of 567 Malian children, we found that group O was present in only 21% of severe malaria cases compared with 44-45% of uncomplicated malaria controls and healthy controls. Group O was associated with a 66% reduction in the odds of developing severe malaria compared with the non-O blood groups. In the same sample set, P. falciparum rosetting was reduced in parasite isolates from group O children compared with isolates from the non-O blood groups. Statistical analysis indicated a significant interaction between host ABO blood group and parasite rosette frequency that supports the hypothesis that the protective effect of group O operates through the mechanism of reduced P. falciparum rosetting. This work provides insights into malaria pathogenesis and suggests that the selective pressure imposed by malaria may contribute to the variable global distribution of ABO blood groups in the human population.
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Tags: Biology, Genetics, Health, Immunology, Malaria, Medicine, Microbiology, Parasitology, Science
That malaria has a selective role in human population (and genetics), can also be found prominently in sickle cell anemia (anaemia). Here, a defective (hemo)globin gene persists due to selection advantage it offers in combating malaria.
I think this discussion is very interesting. I once saw a BBC documentary about four years ago on some blood factor conferring Bubonic Plague resistance (it’s too long ago for me to be able to remember to tell you what). It was an hour program on the Plague moving through Europe and all along the path it moved, the survivors have this factor in their blood. There was some town in Northern England where it apparently stopped, and the families of survivors who can be traced back to this time also have this factor.
I’d love it if you’d do some posts on what resistances can be conferred to each of the blood groups (I’m B, so I’d love it if you could do mine!).
Best regards,
Eileen
Dedicated Elementary Teacher Overseas
elementaryteacher.wordpress.com
The study is very interesting.The facts are self explaining.The distribution of O group all over the world due to malaria selection is also an interesting factor.But while talking at population level the protective factor of Duffy blood group,HbS,HbE,G6PD against malaria can not be ignored in some population groups.It is not clear from the note that these factors were controled.
This is a very interesting study regarding resistance of some diseases by blood groups. I have also studied similar type of article amongst a tribe in Assam who develop a resistance power against some germs.
But it needs further detailed study to know actually which factor or gene is responsible for giving resistance to such type of Parasites so that this study can be used for curing this disease or in treatment of the disease.