QUESTION: I'm a Type A. Have had persistent stomach problems over the past 6 years. Your blood type diet has been my only true source of relief from my symptoms. Thank-you! Have also experienced a chronic ear itch? What is your recommendation?

ANSWER: Considerable evidence has been accumulated showing that carbohydrate-containing blood group antigens represent prime candidates for the specific interaction with microbial surface lectins in infectious diseases.

It is known that the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of external ear infections, has a preference for type A. Apparently, P. aeruginosa produces a LECTIN (1) specific for blood type A antigen, which they use to adhere to the inner ear canal wall. This lead the researchers to conclude "these results indicate that patients presenting with blood group A may have a genetic predisposition to this form of otitis externa."

In another study, the ABO blood groups of 610 patients with documented secretory otitis media (SOM) were compared with those of a control group. In in SOM a preponderance of group A or shortage of group O was statistically significant.(2)

The best treatment consists of a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) added to the ears before bed, and wick out in the morning (never place cotton swabs within the ear canal). Alternative treatments include using olive oil to which some fresh garlic oil has been expressed, or one of the many other formulas containing olive oil, garlic and mullein sold in many pharmacies or health food stores. As with any treatment common sense should dictate that if the ear is draining, red, swollen or painful, medical advice should be sought instead.

1.Steuer MK, Hofstadter F, Probster L, Beuth J, Strutz J. Are ABH antigenic determinants on human outer ear canal epithelium responsible for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections? ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 1995 May-Jun;57(3):148-52

2. Mortensen EH, Lildholdt T, Gammelgard NP, Christensen PH. Related Articles Distribution of ABO blood groups in secretory otitis media and cholesteatoma. Clin Otolaryngol. 1983 Aug;8(4):263-5.