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Coronavirus 2019 outbreak pathogenesis: Why China and Italy?
Anat Achiron1, Mathilda Mandel2, Yehuda Sheonefeld3
1Multiple Scleosis Center, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
European Journal of Rheumatology
|July 28, 2020
Summary
Differences in COVID-19 infection rates may be linked to Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) patterns. Historical travel routes, like Marco Polo's Silk Road journey, could explain HLA spreading between China and Italy, influencing disease incidence.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Epidemiology
- Medical History
Background:
- COVID-19 exhibits varied global incidence rates, with distinct high-occurrence areas like Wuhan, China, and Lombardy, Italy.
- Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) patterns differ geographically and are crucial for immune response.
- Understanding the interplay between HLA and infectious disease spread is vital for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential correlations between geographical Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) variations and the differing rates of COVID-19 infection.
- To explore historical transmission routes as a factor in the current distribution of HLA alleles and subsequent disease patterns.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of documented COVID-19 incidence data in China and Italy.
- Review of existing Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) allele frequency databases for relevant populations.
- Historical research into ancient trade routes, specifically the Silk Road, and associated population movements.
Main Results:
- Observed disparities in COVID-19 spread align with known geographical differences in Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) profiles.
- The Silk Road facilitated historical gene flow between East Asia and Europe, potentially distributing specific HLA alleles.
- A hypothesis is proposed linking Marco Polo's travels to the potential spread of HLA types relevant to COVID-19 susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Geographical Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) diversity may contribute to differential COVID-19 outcomes.
- Historical population movements, exemplified by Silk Road trade, could have shaped current HLA distributions.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the direct impact of specific HLA alleles on COVID-19 epidemiology and historical transmission dynamics.
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