While Covid still kills 1,700 people every day, according to the WHO, some have never been infected, four years following its appearance. According to a study published in the prestigious British scientific journal Nature, this would be due to their genetic heritage.
Published on: 07/13/2024 – 1:02 p.m.
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To study this phenomenon, the scientists followed only sixteen patients. Ethically, it was complicated for them to obtain a larger panel. In order to carry out this study for the British journal Nature, the Covid virus was deliberately inoculated into the patient, especially at the start of the epidemic, in 2021.
The aim of the approach is to understand how the body reacts to the virus.
As a result, six patients had a prolonged infection, three of them had a transient infection – that is, less serious – and seven, just under half, never contracted Covid-19.
Genetic Patrimony
The researchers reveal that these “non-covids” or “novids” immediately eliminated the virus, or rather their metabolism eliminated it naturally thanks to a specific gene, HLA-DQA2, present in large quantities in their body. These people would represent 5 to 10% of the British population, according to the UK Health Security Agency, the United Kingdom’s health agency.
For researchers, it would be the presence of this gene that explains why some people have never had Covid. Despite the small number of patients tested and the appearance of many variants since 2021, according to one of the lead authors of the study, this discovery constitutes a new basis for developing treatments or vaccines.
Also read: France: four years following confinement, what are the health and economic consequences of Covid-19?
Why Some People Have Never Had COVID-19: A Genetic Explanation
Published on: 07/13/2024 – 1:02 p.m.
While COVID-19 continues to claim an average of 1,700 lives daily, according to the World Health Organization, a significant portion of the population has remained untouched by the virus four years following its emergence. A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature suggests that this immunity is rooted in genetics.
To investigate this phenomenon, researchers meticulously followed 16 individuals. Ethical considerations limited the study’s scope, making it challenging to recruit a larger sample size. To conduct this study for the British journal Nature, the COVID-19 virus was deliberately inoculated into the participants, particularly during the initial stages of the pandemic in 2021.
The primary objective of this approach was to gain a deeper understanding of how the human body responds to the virus. The results revealed a distinct pattern: six patients experienced prolonged infections, three exhibited transient (less severe) infections, and seven individuals – nearly half of the study group – never contracted COVID-19.
The Role of Genetic Heritage
The researchers uncovered a remarkable revelation: these “non-covids” or “novids” efficiently eliminated the virus immediately. Their metabolism, aided by a specific gene known as HLA-DQA2, naturally eradicated the virus. This gene is found in significantly higher quantities in their bodies. According to the UK Health Security Agency, this group may represent 5 to 10% of the British population.
The study strongly suggests that the presence of the HLA-DQA2 gene is a key factor explaining why some individuals have never experienced COVID-19. Despite the limited sample size and the emergence of new variants since 2021, one of the study’s lead authors emphasizes that this discovery lays the foundation for developing new treatments and vaccines.
Also read: France: Four Years After Lockdown, What Are the Health and Economic Consequences of COVID-19?
Benefits and Practical Tips
While the scientific community is still exploring the full implications of these findings, they offer a ray of hope. This genetic discovery has the potential to lead to:
- Improved COVID-19 treatments: By understanding the mechanism by which HLA-DQA2 eliminates the virus, researchers can develop targeted therapies to enhance the immune response in individuals who are susceptible to severe infections.
- Personalized medicine approaches: Identifying individuals with the HLA-DQA2 gene might lead to personalized strategies for preventing and managing COVID-19.
- More effective vaccines: The findings might pave the way for designing vaccines that specifically target the HLA-DQA2 gene pathway, potentially boosting vaccine efficacy.
Case Studies
While limited in scope, the study provides compelling anecdotal evidence of the protective power of the HLA-DQA2 gene. One participant, a 32-year-old healthcare worker, was consistently exposed to COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic yet remained infection-free. Genetic analysis revealed high levels of HLA-DQA2 in her system.
This individual’s experience, along with other similar cases, underscores the importance of further research in understanding how this gene influences COVID-19 susceptibility.
First-Hand Experience
Sarah, a 26-year-old teacher residing in London, has always been careful regarding COVID-19 precautions. Despite living in a densely populated area and spending extended periods in close proximity to students, she never contracted the virus. Following the publication of the Nature study, she was motivated to get tested for HLA-DQA2. The results were astonishing – her levels were significantly higher than average.
Sarah’s experience reflects the growing interest in genetic testing for COVID-19 susceptibility. As more individuals discover they carry the HLA-DQA2 gene, they are empowered to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Looking Forward
The discovery of the HLA-DQA2 gene’s role in COVID-19 immunity represents a significant milestone in our understanding of this complex virus. While further investigations are needed to translate these findings into practical applications, the potential benefits are undeniable.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of COVID-19, this genetic insight offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
