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THE IMPACT OF GENETICS UPON COVID-19 SEVERITY IN YOUNG ADULTS**

Abstract

Analysis of DNA sequencing and variation between subjects are used to determine differences in genetic predispositions, especially for the immune response to new viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study is to determine if a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the colony stimulating factor-2 (CSF2) gene (rs25882: T>C) correlates with change in severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The CSF2 gene codes for the granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein, which controls the production, differentiation, and function of granulocytes and macrophages. Studies have suggested that GM-CSF is important for clearing mild SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, when GM-CSF is activated in late stages of COVID-19, it can cause a cytokine storm resulting in severe lung injury. Eighteen young adults (ages 18-22) who had previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2were recruited for the study and divided into two groups based on survey data. One group had a severe symptoms for COVID-19 while the other was either asymptomatic at the time of their positive SARS-CoV-2 test result or had mild symptoms. DNA was extracted from participants buccal cells. Nested PCR was used to amplify first an 863 bp fragment of the CSF2 gene and then a 300 bp fragment within the same sequence. The PCR product was purified and sequenced by Sanger sequencing. We predict that the frequency of T at rs 25882 will be higher in participants with severe COVID-19 illness than in the general population.

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