COVID-19 has infect over 600 million people ( as of September 13 ) in practically every while of the planet . Yet still , somehow , some hoi polloi have handle to avoid the virus . That might include health carers who spend months palisade by infected patients or even just people who have shared a layer with a sick partner . If you are one of these so - called “ super - dodgers , ” then scientists may require to hear from you .
We have a rocky idea of how many hoi polloi have been taint byCOVID-19 in the US through antibody seroprevalence , which observe whether a person has developed antibodies against SARS - CoV-2 from infection .
As of September 13 , sample taken from commercial-grade labs in the USsuggestat least 57.7 percent of multitude have been infected by SARS - CoV-2 at least once . For those under 18,the seroprevalenceis thought to be even eminent , roughly around 79 percent .
So , how has a significant portion of the population seemingly dodged the infection so far ?
First up , there ’s a good chance that people who consider they ’ve never had COVID-19 have unknowingly go through an symptomless contagion . researcher recall that ’s a lotmore commonthan most mass understand .
second , there could be a genetic factor at maneuver . Ever since the early Day of the pandemic , it became percipient that COVID-19 can make some people extremely sick , while others experience a flu - like illness and some barely notice any symptoms . This is thought to be influenced by a sort of reason , but a key factor is potential to be genetics .
A large international study discovered 13 locations in the human genome thatappear to be linkedto the susceptibility and severity of a COVID-19 infection . Curiously , they also found overlaps between variants that both increase the risk for severe COVID-19 and other diseases , such as lung malignant neoplastic disease and pulmonic disease .
Another piece of research found that severe COVID likely has a strong genetic cause in nearly20 percent of case . Conversely , it ’s alsobeen suggestedthat citizenry with a certain factor – dub HLA - B*15:0 – are significantly more potential to experience an symptomless COVID-19 contagion .
However , even citizenry who know asymptomatic COVID-19 stillhave perceptible antibodiesfrom the infection . Could it be that some citizenry are just naturally resistant from COVID-19 while remain seronegative for antibody ?
It ’s a possibility . A team of scientist has banded together to form the COVID Human Genetic Effort in a play to understand how the genetic underpinnings of our immune system influence COVID-19 . They ’re particularly keen toget in touch with peoplewho still do not have antibodies to SARS - CoV-2 despite “ intense and ingeminate ” exposure to COVID-19 .
Through study these people who are ostensibly resistant to contagion , the researchers believe they could make some invaluable knowledge about tackling this ongoing global pandemic .
“ This discovery will allow us to develop new manner to battle this pandemic : through good and fast diagnosing , Modern drugs for the treatment and bar of infection , new means to develop a vaccinum , and a better savvy of how this contagion works in the body , ” the COVID Human Genetic Effort squad say on their website .
“ To action all of this , we necessitate your help . Urgently . ”
