In most coronavirus cases, the infection causes mild symptoms which require no hospitalization. There are only a few people who get infected by the virus and become seriously ill.
Hence, scientists all over the world is trying to find the possible reasons as to why only certain people are at higher risk of getting infected with the coronavirus disease and developing severe Covid-19 symptoms.
In the latest study conducted by a research team of the University of British Columbia found that there are several genes that are responsible for the immune system’s response to coronavirus that is also involved in Covid-19 vulnerability.
The researchers during a presentation at the ATS 2021 International Conference said that having genetic danger variants in the ABO gene, as well as other genes like SLC6A20, ERMP1, FCER1G, and CA11 might significantly increase the chances of contracting Covid-19.
The researchers noted, that there are several genes that have already been linked with respiratory problems. They said, for example, ERMP1 has been linked to asthma, and CA11 is known to elevate Covid-19 risk for people with diabetes.
However, they are hopeful that these genes may also prove to be good makers for potential drug targets. The individuals carrying these genetic variants should use extreme caution during the pandemic, researchers said. Therefore, they emphasized that these candidates and their role in Covid-19 should be further investigated.
Blood Group ABO And Covid-19 Risk
Researchers from the University of British Columbia, in particular, found that the ABO gene is a significant risk factor for Covid-19. The link between the blood group ABO and Covid-19 susceptibility and severity has been further strengthened in the finding.
The ABO blood type is also a concern as a potential risk for various diseases like cancer, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, and venous thromboembolism. However, some previous studies have also suggested that ABO blood grouping may influence the susceptibility of COVID-19 and the severity of the disease.
A study published in the Egyptian Journal of Broncholog earlier concluded that the incidence showed severity, and mortality of COVID-19 was common in non-blood group O. Researchers at Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt specifically found that blood group A was associated with an increased risk for the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and people with blood group O had a lower chance of getting infected with Covid-19
