Introduction: Blood transfusion is a vital medical intervention. However, this intervention is associated with several problems, including transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). The ABO blood group, which is inherited, plays an important role in susceptibility to TTIs. Previous studies have shown that some blood groups are receptors for pathogens, indicating a possible association between blood group antigens and the risk of infection. However, the findings regarding the association between ABO and Rh blood groups and TTIs are inconsistent. Understanding these relationships is crucial to improving blood transfusion safety and developing targeted blood screening and donor selection strategies. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of TTIs among blood donors and explore any potential associations between these infections and ABO and Rh blood groups using data from the Regional Blood Bank in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a retrospective study analyzing the pre-existing data of 300 donors who visited the Regional Blood Bank in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Data were collected through a retrospective analysis of existing medical records at the bank. Potential associations between blood group types and TTI prevalence were explored using the chi-square test. Results: A significant association was observed between the Rh blood group and TTI prevalence, indicating that the Rh factor influences susceptibility to TTIs. However, no significant association was observed between the ABO blood group and TTI prevalence, indicating the complexity of factors contributing to TTI transmission. Conclusions: The results provided a comprehensive overview of TTI prevalence among blood donors with different blood groups and insights into how these relationships might affect transfusion safety and donor screening protocols.
Keywords: Transfusion-transmitted infections, Transfusion-transmitted infection prevalence, blood type, ABO blood group, Rh blood group.
How to cite this article:Aaltawee FM, Altuwalah HS, Arishi AA, Zaila AM, Aldosary RA, Aldowish AI, Prevalence and Association of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections with ABO and Rh Blood Groups among Blood Donors. 2026;16(1s): 853-861; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 853-861