Olive Khaliq

Degrees

Current Research Activities

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

The Association of ACE2 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of COVID-19 in South Africa. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is currently a global pandemic and the epidemiology, pathophysiology and pathogenesis is still under immense investigations [41]. Recently, reports on COVID-19 gene mutations have been reported and a new variant (501Y.V2) has been discovered in South Africa [42]. Infection rates have increased since the initiation of the virus and with the rapid occurrence of mutations, it has become very difficult for clinicians to manage the infected population. Furthermore, it has been reported that the virus is more prevalent and aggressive in individuals of African ancestry , however, the scientific evidence on the reasons for this findings are unknown [43] The ACE2 receptor is known as the key entry port for the virus and studies have shown different levels of ACE2 expression in different racial groups and age groups [44, 45]. However, it is unclear whether the expression levels are altered by genetic mutations or environmental factors. Therefore there is an urgent need for further research on the pandemic to elucidate the association of genetic variations with COVID-19 in different racial groups.

Current profession