The Correlation Between DNA and the Coronavirus

Covid-19 has taken a major toll on the world claiming almost 4,000,000 lives globally. This raises the question: are certain people more susceptible to COVID-19 than others? An article from Science News talks about how DNA affects the severity of COVID-19. The article talks about a research study that was conducted. The study consisted of 45000 people diagnosed with COVID-19. Through research and testing, 13 different genetic variants were linked to an increased risk of becoming gravely ill with the virus. These variants included a genetic link between blood type and the likelihood of getting the virus. The variation showed that individuals with Type O blood were less likely to be infected with the virus, compared to other blood types. Another variant showed the disabling of the TYK2 gene, thus increasing the chances of becoming critically ill with the virus. While this variant increased the risk of death, it is also known to protect against autoimmune diseases. Finally, a variant known as the FOXP4 was linked to a more severe case of COVID-19. This variation was most commonly found among the Asian and Latino populations in America.

Overall, DNA has a profound effect on how an individual is affected by COVID-19. While we are unable to change our DNA, knowing that certain variations in DNA make some individuals more prone to COVID-19 allows individuals to take more protective measures against the virus.


Article Link: https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2021-07-08/how-your-dna-might-make-you-more-susceptible-to-covid-19


Related Link: https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2021-07-08/how-your-dna-might-make-you-more-susceptible-to-covid-19