When infected with the COVID-19 virus, some individuals are dealt stronger symptoms, while others are thankfully left with much milder symptoms. Researchers and scientists around the world were curious about the cause of this discrepancy, so a team of researchers from Stanford Medicine took a first step. The researchers compiled genomic data from about 50,000 patients and searched through their genome for any irregularities. The researchers identified 13 mutations within the genome that increased COVID-19 symptoms, majority were dealing with autoimmunity, and other sectors were lung health and immunity. That being said, each of the 13 mutations have different risk for severe COVID-19. Aside from those mutations, the only other influences would be lifestyle choices.
https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2021/07/21/genetics-could-explain-why-some-people-get-severe-covid-19/
https://www.clinicalomics.com/topics/patient-care/coronavirus/gwas-reveals-multiple-host-genes-linked-to-severe-covid-19-symptoms/
This post is interesting. Scientists have been aware of autoimmunity disease being linked to COVID-19. I wonder if they can use gene therapy or some other method to strengthen people who have the disadvantage of having a weak immune system especially during times especially dangerous for them, such as this.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post! I was unaware that there were so many mutations that increased COVID-19 symptoms. Interesting to think about the reasons as to why some people are affected by COVID-19 different than others.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, I have no idea that the mutations increases the symptoms, but it makes sense why different people have different symptoms or mild cases of it.
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