Early research from 23andMe strengthens link between blood types and Covid-19

A study posted to the preprint server medRxiv from genetics company 23andMe shows that a person's genetic makeup could influence how likely they are to be infected with Covid-19. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, shows that those with the blood group O seemed to test positive less than expected compared to those with other blood types, and those who tested positive and had a variant of a specific gene appeared more likely to have serious respiratory symptoms of infection. While experts say the findings are interesting and confirm earlier research on the subject, they warn that treatment decisions are unlikely to be changed because of it. “It doesn’t have practical implications," pediatrician and epidemiologist Jennifer Lighter tells STAT's Kate Sheridan.