In this study, we analyzed the potential associations of selected laboratory and anamnestic
parameters, as well as 12 genetic polymorphisms (SNPs), with clinical COVID-19 occurrence
and severity in 869 hospitalized patients. The SNPs analyzed by qPCR were selected
based on population-wide genetic (GWAS) data previously indicating association with
the severity of COVID-19, and additional SNPs that have been shown to be important
in cellular processes were also examined. We confirmed the associations of COVID-19
with pre-existing diabetes and found an unexpected association between less severe
disease and the loss of smell and taste. Regarding the genetic polymorphisms, a higher
allele frequency of the LZTFL1 and IFNAR2
minor variants significantly correlated with greater COVID-19 disease susceptibility
(hospitalization) and severity, and a similar tendency was observed for the RAVER1
and the MUC5B variants. Interestingly, the ATP2B4
minor haplotype, protecting against malaria, correlated with an increased disease
susceptibility, while in diabetic patients disease susceptibility was lower in the
presence of a reduced-function ABCG2 transporter variant. Our current results, which
should be reinforced by larger studies, indicate that together with laboratory and
anamnestic parameters, genetic polymorphisms may have predictive value for the clinical
occurrence and severity of COVID-19.
