The association of seropositivity to Toxocara canis and Ascaris lumbricoides with blood group antigens

Parasitic infection has been reported to affect hematopoiesis and to be associated with certain blood group types. The study aimed to reveal the frequency and the role of seropositivity to Toxocara canis and Ascaris lumbricoides in persons with weak blood group antigens, suffering from bone and joint tissue disorder. Ninety-six persons with bone and joint tissue disorder were investigated on seropositivity to T. canis and A. lumbricoides . Common blood analysis, biochemical analysis, determination of blood group type, detection of native agglutinating and complete immune antibodies have been investigated in all patients. Persons with B blood group demonstrated seropositivity to T. canis. Seropositivity to A. lumbricoides was registered in persons with blood group A and weak B antigen. The persons with weak A and B antigens showed increased levels of eosinophils and immune antibodies. Seropositivity to T. canis was accompanied by decreased levels of monocytes and increased levels of eosinophils, thymol probe, and CRP. Whereas seropositivity to A. lumbricoides was associated with decreased leukocytes and platelets and increased serum urea and natural agglutinating antibodies. Seropositivity to A. lumbricoides and T. canis was associated with increased group-specific immune antibodies, negatively correlating with the levels of erythrocytes and hemoglobin. Our findings indicate, that T. canis and A. lumbricoides have similar glycoproteins to human blood group antigens and interfere with hematopoiesis.