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Published on: November 10, 2023
TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2 and OAS3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms among severe COVID-19 ICU patients in Morocco
R Benmansour1, M R Tagajdid1, H El Hamzaoui2
1Center of Virology, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Mohamed V Military Teaching Hospital, University Mohammed V in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2, and OAS3 variants) and the severity of COVID-19 in Moroccan patients.
Methods:
A genetic analysis was conducted on 109 patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Morocco. Among these patients, 46% were hospitalized in the intensive care unit, while 59% were not hospitalized. Importantly, all patients lacked known risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity. Genotyping was performed to identify variations in TYK2 rs74956615, IFITM3 rs12252, IFNAR2 rs2236757, and OAS3 rs10735079. Statistical analysis was applied using codominant, dominant and recessive logistic regression models to assess correlations with COVID-19 severity.
Results:
Our findings revealed no significant correlation between TYK2 rs74956615, IFITM3 rs12252, IFNAR2 rs2236757, and OAS3 rs10735079 with COVID-19 severity in Moroccan patients, as indicated in logistic regression models (p > .05). Interestingly, these results may offer insights into the mitigated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced severity observed in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Morocco. Age, however, exhibited a significant correlation with severity (p < .001), with a trend towards increased likelihood of ICU admission with advancing age. Additionally, In the severe group, a higher proportion of patients were females (54%), indicating a statistically significant correlation with disease severity (p = .04). Nevertheless, female ICU patients aged above 60 years accounted for 37%, compared to 17% for males.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the absence of a genetic association between the selected polymorphisms and COVID-19 severity in Moroccan patients. Advanced age emerges as the primary factor influencing the severity of COVID-19 patients without comorbidities. We recommend setting the threshold for advanced age at 60 years as a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19.
Insights
Genetic analysis revealed no link between specific gene variants and COVID-19 severity in Moroccan patients. Advanced age and female sex were significant risk factors for severe disease, suggesting age over 60 as a key threshold.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Infectious Diseases
- COVID-19 Pathogenesis
- Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 severity varies significantly among populations.
- Genetic factors are hypothesized to influence individual susceptibility and disease progression.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2, and OAS3 genes and COVID-19 severity.
- To identify potential genetic markers for severe outcomes in Moroccan patients.
- To explore demographic factors contributing to disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 109 Moroccan patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was analyzed.
- Genotyping was performed for TYK2 rs74956615, IFITM3 rs12252, IFNAR2 rs2236757, and OAS3 rs10735079.
- Logistic regression models were used to assess correlations between genetic variants, age, sex, and COVID-19 severity (including ICU admission).
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between the studied SNPs (TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2, OAS3) and COVID-19 severity (p > .05).
- Advanced age (p < .001) and female sex (p = .04) were significantly associated with increased COVID-19 severity.
- A higher proportion of severe cases and ICU admissions were observed in older individuals and females, particularly those over 60.
Conclusions:
- The selected genetic polymorphisms do not appear to influence COVID-19 severity in the Moroccan population studied.
- Advanced age, specifically over 60 years, is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 in patients without comorbidities.
- Female sex is also associated with increased disease severity, warranting further investigation.
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