Significantly different death rates for COVID-19 are emerging in various countries. According to CNN Australia, Norway, and South Korea report a low 3%. Whereas rates are as high as 14% in Belgium, Italy and the United Kingdom. Worldometer posts the United States at 13%. Do national genetics play a role in COVID-19 mortality, we wonder?
Is This For Real? Do Genetics Play a Role in COVID-19 Mortality?
CNN speaks of various reasons why there could be such a profound and unexpected disparity. Explanations on the table include accessibility and quality of healthcare, and differences in mutations of the virus. Co-morbid conditions, testing regimes and accuracy of national statistics may also have a part.
Genetics is beginning to play an increasing role in the analysis, as experts search for an inherited factor. A group of British and American researchers are trying to determine whether genetics play a role in COVID-19 mortality, or not. They published a paper on May 26, 2020 suggesting this could be the case.
This New Information Predicts Severe COVID-19 in the UK
This particular group of scientists has a primary interest in Alzheimer’s disease. They noticed many COVID-19 fatalities in their sample also had this progressive mental deterioration. Their research focused on 400,000 UK residents all with European ancestry. Their finding confirmed some correlations, and predicted a high UK death rate in their bio bank, although this does not prove a causal link.
Moreover, this is not the only genetic clue as to whether genetics play a role in COVID-19 mortality. A report currently under peer review suggests people with Type A blood are at greater risk. We agree with CNN we ought not to apply these findings too literally. That’s because we should not use a gene pool to mask a deficiency in a health care system. Or start asking colleagues their blood group.
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