Date of Publication

11-2025

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Roberto M. Demigillo, Jr.

Defense Panel Chair

Rosita Roldan Gan

Abstract (English)

ABO blood types have been studied for their potential association with susceptibility to COVID-19, with previous findings suggesting that individuals with blood type A may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those with blood type O. In this context, the study aims to explore the association between ABO blood types and COVID-19 infection among students of the College of Science and employees at De La Salle University-Manila. This retrospective study was conducted via both online and in-person surveys, in which participants self-reported their ABO blood type and history of COVID-19 diagnosis. Three statistical analyses were performed: descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test of independence, and Cramer’s V. A total of 395 responses were collected, with the majority being students (N = 255, 64.56%) aged 18-24 years (N = 282, 71.27%). Although some participants had pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension (N = 12, 3.04%), most respondents were healthy (N = 369, 93.42%). Among the participants, blood type O was the most common (N = 167, 42.28%), followed by blood types A (N = 89, 22.53%), B (N = 74, 18.73%), and AB (N = 65, 16.45%). Overall, 203 participants (51.39%) reported testing positive for COVID-19. Among these positive cases, blood type O accounted for 32.5% (N = 66), followed by blood types A (N = 54, 26.6%), B (N = 48, 23.7%), and AB (N = 35, 17.2%). Pearson’s chi-square test indicated a statistically moderately significant association between ABO blood type and COVID-19 positivity (p = 0.000), with Cramer’s V showing a moderate association (V = 0.257). Furthermore, when ABO blood type was compared with the frequency of COVID-19 infections, the association remained significant (p = 0.000), with Cramer’s V, again, indicating a moderate association (V = 0.294). Overall, ABO blood type shows a moderate association with susceptibility to COVID-19 infection within this university cohort, supporting existing evidence that ABO antigens may influence viral entry and host response. However, it is important to acknowledge that variables were self-reported and not verified through clinical records, introducing the possibility of recall or reporting bias. Additionally, it is recommended for future studies to include potential confounding factors.

Abstract Format

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Abstract (Filipino)

Pinag-aralan ang ABO blood types upang makita kung may kinalaman ang mga ito sa posibilidad na mahawaan ng COVID-19. Ayon sa ibang mga pananaliksik, maaaring mas madaling mahawaan ang mga taong may dugong type A kumpara sa mga may type O. Sa pag-aaral na ito, sinuri ang ugnayan ng ABO blood types at pagkakaroon ng COVID-19 sa mga estudyante ng College of Science at mga empleyado ng De La Salle University-Manila. Isinagawa ang retrospektibong pag-aaral na ito sa pamamagitan ng online at in-person survey, kung saan iniulat ng mga kalahok ang kanilang ABO blood type at kasaysayan ng diagnosis ng COVID-19. Tatlong estadistikal na pagsusuri ang isinagawa: descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test of independence, at Cramer’s V. Kabuuang 395 na tugon ang nakolekta, kung saan karamihan ay mga estudyante (N = 255, 64.56%) na may edad 18-24 (N = 282, 71.27%). Bagama’t ang ilan sa mga kalahok ay may kondisyong medikal tulad ng hypertension (N = 12, 3.04%), karamihan ay nasa mabuting kalusugan (N = 369, 93.42%). Sa mga kalahok, ang dugong type O ang pinakakaraniwan (N = 167, 42.28%), na sinundan ng type A (N = 89, 22.53%), type B (N = 74, 18.73%), at type AB (N = 65, 16.45%). Sa kabuuan, 203 kalahok (51.39%) ang nag-ulat na nagpositibo sila sa COVID-19. Sa mga positibong kasong ito, 32.5% (N = 66) ay may dugong type O, sinundan ng types A (N = 54, 26.6%), B (N = 48, 23.7%), at AB (N = 35, 17.2%). Ipinakita ng Pearson’s chi-square test na may katamtamang makabuluhang ugnayan sa pagitan ng ABO blood type at pagpositibo sa COVID-19 (p = 0.000). Ipinakita rin ng Cramer’s V na katamtaman ang lakas ng ugnayan (V = 0.257). Higit pa rito, nang ikinumpara ang ABO blood type sa dalas ng impeksyong COVID-19, nanatiling makabuluhan ang ugnayan (p = 0.000), at muli, ipinakita ng Cramer’s V ang isang katamtamang ugnayan (V = 0.294). Sa kabuuan, ipinapakita ng ABO blood type na may katamtamang ugnayan ito sa posibilidad na mahawa ng COVID-19 sa grupong ito mula sa unibersidad. Ipinapahiwatig nito na maaaring may bahagi ang ABO antigens sa pagpasok ng virus at sa reaksyon ng katawan. Gayunpaman, dapat tandaan na ang impormasyon ay sariling ulat lamang ng mga kalahok at hindi na-verify sa pamamagitan ng mga klinikal na rekord, kaya may posibilidad ng magdulot ng recall o reporting bias. Inirerekomenda rin na sa mga susunod na pag-aaral na isama ang iba pang factors na maaaring nakaapekto sa mga resulta.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Blood groups—ABO system; COVID-19 (Disease)

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Embargo Period

12-11-2025

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