Abstract
There is no consensus among the existing literature on the relationship between ABO blood groups and risk of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, histo-blood group carbohydrates are proposed to influence the risk of acquiring this pathogen via effects on adhesion to the gastric mucosa. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between ABO blood groups and H. pylori infection. All relevant epidemiological studies published in English (up to October 2017) was retrieved through an extensive systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed databases. Pooled estimates of effects were obtained through the use of fixed and random effects meta-analyses. Individuals with O blood group were more likely to be infected with H. pylori (pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.163; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.074–1.259; P < 0.001). While individuals with B and AB blood group were less likely to be infected with H. pylori (OR 0.831; 95% CI 0.738–0.935; P = 0.002 and OR 0.709; 95% CI 0.605–0.832; P < 0.001, respectively). The results from this meta-analysis of observational studies suggest an estimated 16.3% increased odds of H. pylori infection amongst individuals with the O blood group. If this observed association is causal, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could provide indications to potential prevention strategies for H. pylori infection.
Highlights
The mechanisms by which H. pylori is usually acquired and its route of transmission remain unclear, close human contact is required
Factors associated with the studies themselves and participant characteristics may have moderated the overall results
Sensitivity analyses indicated that there was little evidence to suggest that the pooled odds ratio was influenced by any single study (Data not shown). We believe that this is the first meta-analysis that investigates the association between ABO blood group and H. pylori infection
Summary
The mechanisms by which H. pylori is usually acquired and its route of transmission remain unclear, close human contact is required. Previous epidemiological studies showed that household hygiene practices and socioeconomic status (as defined by occupation, family income level, and living conditions) are important risk factors for H. pylori infection[7,8]. These factors are thought to partially explain why rates of H. pylori infection vary between populations. One genetically determined trait with known polymorphic expression between individuals and populations that has attracted interest as potential risk factors for H. pylori infection is ABO blood group[12] This premise was developed from previous studies showing a higher frequency of blood group O amongst patients with duodenal ulcer[13]. The current systematic review and meta-analysis of the relevant epidemiologic literature aims to quantify the association between ABO blood group and H. pylori infection status
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