The role of MEFV gene in COVID 19 disease, as a protective factor

Abstract Background In early 2020, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus became pandemic. This study evaluates the potential immune-genetically role of MEFV gene mutations in COVID 19 patients. Methods 50 COVID 19 PCR positive patients who were hospitalized in COVID 19 referral centers between 1st of March to 30th of April in 2020 were evaluated for MEFV gene mutations using ARMS PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results MEFV gene mutations were found in 6 (12%) of the patients. No homozygote or compound heterozygote forms were detected. The total mutant allele frequency was 6%. The carrier rate was 12% which is significantly lower than previously studied rate of 25%. The most common MEFV variant was E148Q in 3 (6%). There was no mutant variant of MEFV gene among the expired patients. None of the MEFV gene mutant patients had FMF symptoms or positive family history of FMF disease. Conclusion Considering the high carrier rate of MEFV gene mutations in the eastern Mediterranean region and a significantly lower prevalence of these mutations in COVID 19 patients, it seems that MEFV gene mutations may have a protective role in incidence of the disease.