Norwalk virus infection and disease is associated with ABO histo-blood group type.
Some people are resistant to Norwalk virus (NV) infection; however, the factor(s) responsible for resistance or susceptibility to NV infection has not been identified. This study investigated the relationship between a person's ABO histo-blood group type and the risk of NV infection and symptomatic disease after clinical challenge. ABO phenotypes were identified by using serum samples from volunteers who participated in an NV challenge study (n=51). Individuals with an O phenotype were more likely to be infected with NV (odds ratio [OR], 11.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-103), whereas persons with a B histo-blood group antigen had decreased risk of infection (OR, 0.096; 95% CI, 0.16-0.56) and symptomatic disease (OR, 0; 95% CI, 0-0.999). This is the first report demonstrating an association between a genetic factor and the risk of NV infection and symptomatic disease.
Hutson
Anne M
AM
Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Atmar
Robert L
RL
Graham
David Y
DY
Estes
Mary K
MK
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000097:blood*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D009663:Norwalk virus; D010641:Phenotype
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System