A recent scientific breakthrough may explain why
some people with no known risk factors develop severe COVID.
One characteristic of COVID that confused and
frustrated doctors from the pandemic's start were its unpredictability. Some
persons experienced no symptoms, while others ended up in the hospital, unable
to breathe. Even though there are risk factors for severe COVID, such as age,
obesity, and underlying medical conditions, the disease has been shown to
impact those without risk factors differently. Polish experts say to have
discovered an explanation for this in a new study. Continue reading to learn
more.
1. What the Study Involved
Researchers from the Poland's Medical University
of Bialystok discovered a gene that more than doubles a person's chance of
severe COVID.
After age, weight, and gender, the researchers
discovered that the gene was the fourth most important factor in determining
whether someone will acquire a severe form of COVID.
2. How Many People Have This Gene
According to Marcin Moniuszko, one of the
scientists responsible for the discovery, the study, which included 1,500
persons infected with coronavirus in Poland, discovered a genetic variant
present in 14% of Poland, 9% of Europe and 27% of India.
3. What This Means
"A gene responsible for a predisposition to
becoming severely ill (with coronavirus) was identified after more than a year
and a half of investigation," Poland's health minister Adam Niedzielski
stated. "This means that in the future, we'll be able to... identify those
who have a high risk of developing COVID."
According to Moniuszko, the discovery could lead
to developing a simple test that can be used to determine if a person is at
high risk of having a bad COVID outcome. This could make it easier to convince
people to be vaccinated and decide who should prioritise treatment.
4. Other Studies Have Had Similar Findings
British researchers announced in November that
they had identified a gene related to a doubled risk of COVID-19-related lung
failure. LZTFL1 is found in 60% of Asian People, 15% of Europe, and 2.4 per
cent of African.
In July, a global research team led by experts
from the Broad Institute and the University of Helsinki announced that they had
discovered 13 genetic signatures connected to an increased chance of having
severe COVID-19.
5. How to Stay Safe Out There
Get vaccinated as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you aren't sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene.