Scientists across Sweden have identified a notable link between the Rh(D) blood type and a higher susceptibility to parvovirus infection. The findings come from research conducted at the Karolinska Institutet and are summarized in a study published within the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Blood groups are defined by the specific antigens present on the surface of red blood cells. Among these, the Rh system stands out for its variations, marked by terms such as D, C, c, E, and e. The presence or absence of the D antigen denotes the Rh(D) phenotype, a distinction that plays a crucial role in transfusion medicine and now, as the new research suggests, may influence viral entry into cells.
In the recent study, researchers observed that individuals with the Rh(D) blood type exhibited the highest risk of parvovirus infection. Between 2015 and 2018, a screening program in Germany tested over 160,000 blood donors for parvovirus. Among those tested, 22 donors contracted the virus, and all of these infections occurred in donors with the Rh(D) blood group. The authors propose that Rh(D) presence could be a necessary factor for the virus to access the cell, signaling a potential mechanism behind the increased risk. These results are discussed in the context of ongoing efforts to understand host factors that influence parvovirus susceptibility and transmission.
Parvovirus B19 remains the most common parvovirus affecting people, particularly school-aged children. The classic presentation includes bright red cheeks, sometimes described as a “slapped face” appearance, which can extend to the arms and legs. In many cases, adults experience milder symptoms or remain asymptomatic, yet they can still spread the virus, underscoring the importance of awareness across age groups and settings such as schools and day care centers. Vaccination strategies for parvovirus are not currently standard, but public health monitoring continues to emphasize hygiene, early recognition, and infection prevention to curb outbreaks.
Demographic groups with higher exposure to caregiving roles, especially women working in childcare and related health care settings, have shown an elevated risk of infection in observational data. The study’s authors note that occupational factors may contribute to this disparity, alongside immunological and genetic differences that influence susceptibility. This line of inquiry highlights the value of considering both biological and social determinants when assessing parvovirus risk. The findings invite further research into how Rh(D) status interacts with immune responses and viral entry mechanisms, potentially guiding targeted prevention efforts and shaping clinical awareness for at-risk populations. [Source: Journal of Infectious Diseases; Karolinska Institutet study; public health records]