The role of ABO blood groups in infections induced by Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Summary Recently, considerable evidence has been accumulated showing that carbohydrate-containing blood group substances represent prime candidates for the specific interaction with microbial surface lectins in infectious diseases. Accordingly, clinical studies have proved that urinary tract infections by Staphylococcus saprophyticus and outer ear canal infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be positively correlated with the patients blood group. Apparently, the blood group antigens (terminal carbohydrates) represent receptors recognized by S. saprophyticus and P. aeruginosa surface lectins.