A novel study of association between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the human carbohydrate blood groups

Previous studies of association of ABO blood groups with gonorrhea have shown contradictory results. Despite the interdependencies of ABO, Lewis, and secretor systems, none of the previous studies examined the combined effect of these systems on their proposed association with gonorrhea. This study attempted to redress that and used genotyping in addition to RBC phenotyping to determine correct tissue phenotypes. Samples from 131 gonorrhea-positive individuals and from 175 gonorrhea-negative individuals were typed for ABO and Lewis using routine antisera. Secretor and Lewis genotyping was performed to ensure accurate determination of ABO and Lewis phenotypes. Chi-square and probability values were used to examine whether there is an association of ABO, Lewis, and secretor systems with gonorrhea infection. Neither single nor combined statistical analysis of data sets yielded a significant association of ABO, Lewis, and secretor phenotypes with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Nevertheless, this study is an example of the approach that should be taken when examining microbial associations with ABO antigens, in turn influenced by coexpression and modification by the interdependent systems of Lewis and secretor, in mucosal tissues. Immunohematology2007; 23:100–104.