Prevalence of rs11385942 and rs657152 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the world population susceptible to severe COVID-19

Aims: This study was aimed to investigate predictive prevalence of rs11385942 and rs657152 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the world populations since these were associated with severe COVID-19. Methods: Genetic data of rs11385942 and rs657152 SNPs of the 26 populations were obtained from the 1000 Genomes project. Phenotypes were assigned as high-risk, medium-risk or no-risk based on the carrying of characteristics risk alleles. Results: It was demonstrated that the prevalence of risk allele associated with rs11385942 SNP for developing severe COVID-19 was significantly different in various ethnic groups (Chi-square test, p<0.00001) with highly prevalent in South Asia (29.6%; 95% CI 27%-32%), followed by Europe (8.1%; 95% CI 6%-10%), Africa (5.3%; 95% CI 4%-7%), America (4.6%; 95% CI 3%-6%) and East Asia (0.5%; 95% CI 0%-1%), respectively. However, prevalence of risk allele associated with rs657152 SNP was not significantly different in various ethnic groups (Chi-square test, p=0.06) but was highly prevalent in South Asia (46.1%; 95% CI 44%-48%), followed by Africa (43.6%; 95% CI 43%-44%), Europe (36.8%; 95% CI 36%-37%), East Asia (36.3%; 95% CI 35%-38%) and America (30.5%; 95% CI 30%-31%), respectively. High-risk phenotypes associated with carrying two copies of rs11385942 variant alleles were significantly different in various ethnic groups (Chi-square test, p=0.005) with highly prevalent in South Asia (9.4%; 95% CI 7%-12%), followed by Africa (0.6%; 95% CI 0%-1%) and America (0.3%; 95% CI 0%-1%), respectively. Conclusion: Genetic associations of rs11385942 and rs657152 with severe COVID-19 should urgently assess in different ethnicities for pathogenesis of this pandemic disease.