ABO, Rh Blood Groups and Haemoglobin Genotype Associations with Helicobacter pylori Infection amongst Indigenes of Wiyaakara, Rivers State

Abstract Introduction: This study aims to determine the association of ABO/ Rh Blood groups and haemoglobin genotype with Helicobacter pylori infection among indigenes of Wiyaakara, Ogoni, Rivers State. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Wiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its association with ABO/Rh blood group and haemoglobin genotype. The study was carried out amongst indigenes of Wiyaakara village in Khana LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria. Wiyaakara is part of Ogoni. Materials and Methods: Determination of ABO/Rh blood group was done using tile method. Haemoglobin genotype was determined using cellulose acetate paper electrophoresis while determination of Helicobacter pylori infection was done using the rapid diagnostic test strip method. Results: Out of 130 participants, 48.5% tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. Amongst those that tested positive, 68% were females while 32% were males. In ABO blood grouping, blood group O recorded the highest infectivity rate, followed by blood group A, blood group B and AB. Rh positive individuals recorded high frequency of occurrence than Rh negative. Haemoglobin genotype AA recorded high frequency of occurrence than that of AS. Based on odd ratios, the risk for the studied subjects to be infected with Helicobacter pylori was in the order of B>A>O (odd ratios: A = 1.78, B = 9.01, O = 0.54), considering the fact that AB blood group subjects was negligible due to fewer number of subjects (5). Haemoglobin AS subjects were more prone to having Helicobacter pylori than AA subjects. Conclusion: The study has revealed that blood group B individual are more at risk of being infected with Helicobacter pylori in comparison to other ABO blood groups. Additionally, those with haemoglobin AS genotype were also at risk of being infected with Helicobacter pylori than those with haemoglobin AA genotype.