Rh negatives resistant to chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.

We have heard plenty about health disadvantages for rh negatives. Let’s continue with the positives. Here are the highlights of the study:

Among 468 individuals of 100 families surveyed, 95 subjects (20%) reported no chikungunya fever and remaining 80% suffering with all chikungunya symptoms with fever, headache, and severe joint pains. 12 individuals were rh negative. And not one of the was infected.

Out of all the rh negatives included in the study, all tested negative for Chikungunya. Even the one where all rh positive family members were infected.

In the individual familial studies, we also observed that the family who is having O positive blood group is completely affected with chikungunya fever. However, within the same family the person having O negative is not showing any symptoms of chikungunya.

In conclusion, the present results state that all Rh positive blood group individuals are susceptible. Among them, the blood group O +ve individuals are more susceptible to chikungunya than other blood groups. No blood group with Rh negative was affected with chikungunya; it indicates Rh -ve more resistance to chikungunya.

See the study:

Genetic predisposition to chikungunya – a blood group study in chikungunya affected families

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