Association of abo blood group and outcome of coccidioidal infection

Abstract
Dissemination of fungal infection due to Coccidioides immitis is related to hereditary factors. Two associations reported to date are race (e.g., Filipino and black ancestry) and HLA histocompatibility type (HLA-A9). In 105 patients, a significant association of blood group B and dissemination is demonstrated. C. immitis possesses antigens with blood group A activity. Epidemiologic studies showed that HLA-A9 and blood group B are more common in persons of black and Filipino ancestry.