Blood group O protects against severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria through the mechanism of reduced rosetting

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0705390104
• Publication Date: 2007-10-24T23:20:39Z
• Authors: J. Alexandra Rowe; Ian G. Handel; Mahamadou A. Thera; Anne-Marie Deans; Kirsten E. Lyke; Abdoulaye Koné; Dapa A. Diallo; Ahmed Raza; Oscar Kai; Kevin Marsh; Christopher V. Plowe; Ogobara K. Doumbo; Joann M. Moulds
• Keywords: Pathogenesis

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, parasite virulence phenotype associated with malaria, is reduced in blood group O erythrocytes compared groups A, B, AB, but contribution of ABO system protection against malaria received little attention. We hypothesized may through mechanism rosetting. In matched case-control study 567 Malian children, we found was present only 21% cases 44-45% uncomplicated controls healthy controls. Group 66% reduction odds developing non-O (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.61, P < 0.0005, versus controls). same sample set, P. rosetting isolates from children (P = 0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test). Statistical analysis indicated significant interaction between host rosette frequency supports hypothesis protective effect operates This work provides insights into pathogenesis suggests pressure imposed by contribute variable global distribution population.