APOE4 allele gene linked to increased risk of severe Covid-19

Berlin, Dec 30 (Prensa Latina) The APOE4 allele, a typical genetic variant of Alzheimer's disease, increases the risk of suffering from severe Covid-19, according to a study published by German journal 'Acta Neuropathologica Communications'.

December 30, 2021
16:59

There is a link between both in terms of increased susceptibility to infection by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and mortality, said the authors, according to the study conducted at the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Hospital.

According to the results, the risk of developing a form of Covid-19 that requires intensive care more than doubled in carriers of the APOE4 allele. Moreover, more microscopic hemorrhages were found in the brain as a result of severe Covid-19 in the study among carriers of this allele, compared to others.

According to Chief Physician, intensivist Johanna Hästbacka, APOE4 may also affect the severity of certain long-term symptoms, especially in cases of Covid-19 that require hospitalization.

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