Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (G8790A) Gene Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 in Egyptian Children and...

Recently, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene has emerged as a potential candidate gene for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated whether ACE2 G8790A (rs2285666) polymorphism could be a genetic marker for susceptibility to COVID-19 and disease severity in Egyptian children and adolescents.

This was a prospective case-control study included 580 cases diagnosed with COVID-19, and 580 matched control children and adolescents. The ACE2 G8790A (rs2285666) polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ACE2 serum level was measured by ELISA.

The ACE2 A/A genotype and A-allele were significantly more represented in cases with COVID-19 as compared to control group (44% vs. 30%; OR = 2.83; [95% CI: 1.27-2.63]; p = 0.006; for the A/A genotype) and (65% vs. 51%; OR = 1.9; [95% CI: 1.06-1.72]; p = 0.01; for the A-allele). The presence of ACE2 G/G genotype was an independent risk factor for severe disease (adjusted OR: 2.08; [95% CI: 1.57-6.78]; p = 0.003).

The ACE2 G8790A (rs2285666) polymorphism may confer susceptibility to COVID-19 in Egyptian children and adolescents. The ACE2 G/G genotype and G-allele was associated with lower ACE2 serum levels and may constitute independent risk factors for disease severity.