Transitory absence of ABO antibodies during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection

Abstract

Since the advent of the pandemic, ABO blood group has a role in the immunopathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Disagreement between forward and reverse typing leads to ABO discrepancy which arise either due to intrinsic problems or from the technical errors in performing the test. Here, we document the two cases of transient absence anti-A and anti-B antibodies among two COVID patients proved by serological techniques, with the photographic representation of their immunohematological workups. SARS-CoV-2 viral envelop proteins mimicking as A and B antigen expressed on red blood cells (ABOs) and anti-A and anti-B antibodies acting as viral neutralizing antibodies, possible explanation for appearance of such phenomenon among patients. The ABO blood grouping of such discrepancy patients should be cautiously reported and advised to repeat once after full recovery. Transfusion center should be prepared appropriately in case of blood component support needed among such patients.

Keywords

• abo discrepancy
• coronavirus disease 2019 infection
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection