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On guard, to keep waves at bay: No rush to stockpile Covid vaccines
The virus may have lost its 'bite', but is still highly transmissible, as experts point out
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Just as life without masks and social distancing was increasingly becoming a new normal, Covid-19 has made a comeback. Even if the impact is not severe, doctors, health experts and hospital administrations have stepped up their act on the next steps.
The numbers explain why the situation is not alarming, but the sudden surge in patients infected with the Sars-CoV-2 virus is worrisome. India is adding 250-350 fresh Covid-19 cases daily. Compare this with the numbers in early May 2021, when infections were at their peak. India was reporting an average of around 400,000 daily cases and close to 5000
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The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
How a lung gene is linked to post-COVID symptoms as per genetics study
More than four years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the disease remains a global health concern — not because of new surges but because of what persists. Long COVID, or technically post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the initial illness clears. These include fatigue, breathing problems, and cognitive issues. The World Health Organization defines long COVID as symptoms that begin within three months of infection and last at least two months without another explanation. Why some people develop long COVID while others recover quickly remains unclear. A recent genome-wide association study published in Nature Genetics analysed genetic data from six major global ancestries to investigate whether inherited differences play a role. A diverse study The study, conducted under the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative at the Germans Trias i Pujol research institute in Spain, used a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify genetic risk factors for long COVID. GWAS scans the genome for small 'spelling mistakes'— also known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms — in the DNA sequence that appear more often in people with a condition than in those without. This method has helped uncover links to many complex and chronic disorders. The analysis used data from 33 groups across 19 countries, making it one of the largest efforts to date in this area. The researchers first analysed data from 6,450 long COVID cases and over one million population controls. In this discovery phase, they identified a genetic signal near the FOXP4 gene. This signal was then tested in a separate replication cohort of more than 9,500 cases and nearly 8,00,000 controls, and the association was confirmed. The researchers applied two definitions of long COVID: a strict one requiring test-confirmed infection and ongoing symptoms, and a broader one that included self-reported or clinical diagnoses. Controls were also defined strictly (infected but recovered) or broadly (general population without long COVID). This helped the team test whether its results held up across different clinical definitions. Gene linked to long COVID risk The analysis found a strong association between long COVID and a region on chromosome 6, near the FOXP4 gene. A specific variant in the region, called rs9367106, increased the risk of developing long COVID. People with the 'C' version of this variant were about 63% more likely to have long COVID symptoms than those without it. Notably, FOXP4 increased long COVID risk even in people who weren't hospitalised, suggesting its effect is not tied solely to the severity of the initial infection. The variant's frequency also varied across populations. It appeared in about 1.6% of non-Finnish Europeans but up to 36% of East Asians. Because it was more common in some groups, its effects were easier to detect, even in smaller samples. This highlights why genetic studies that include diverse populations are more reliable and globally relevant. From lungs to immunity To understand the connection between FOXP4 and long COVID, the researchers examined how active this gene was in different tissues and cell types and how its activity related to the condition. The authors noted that the variant lies in a stretch of DNA that is especially 'active' in lung tissue, suggesting it may affect how lungs function. Using GTEx, a large gene activity database, they found that a nearby variant (rs12660421), often inherited with rs9367106, was linked to higher levels of FOXP4 expression in the lung. This made it more likely that the gene influences how the lungs respond to infection and injury. Going further, the researchers checked which lung cells produced FOXP4 most strongly. They found high activity in type 2 alveolar cells, key players in keeping air sacs open, clearing fluids, and repairing tissue damage. These cells also help coordinate the immune response to respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The same genetic region has also been associated with lung cancer in earlier research, suggesting that FOXP4 may influence multiple lung-related conditions via shared biological pathways. To test whether FOXP4 activity — and not just the genetic variant — might be linked to long COVID, researchers analysed blood samples from people who had recovered from the initial phase of infection. They found that individuals with moderately higher levels of FOXP4 had more than twice the odds of developing long COVID. This association persisted even outside the acute illness phase, suggesting a longer-term role for the gene. Finally, a technique called co-localisation analysis showed a 91% probability that the same genetic signal affects both FOXP4 activity and long COVID risk, reinforcing the gene's biological importance. India's genomic gaps The study has important implications for India, given its large population, genetic diversity, and significant COVID-19 burden. Multiple waves of infection and unequal access to care mean many Indians may continue to face lasting symptoms, often undiagnosed or untreated due to limited awareness and clinical follow-up. Indian studies suggest a wide range in long COVID prevalence: from 45% to nearly 80% depending on design, follow-up, and illness severity. One multicentre study across Hyderabad, Vellore, Mumbai, and Thiruvalla found that 16.5% of hospitalised patients self-reported symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness even a year after discharge. Although the GWAS included participants from six ancestry groups, the authors said most datasets were of European origin. South Asian representation was limited or unclear. This is a broader issue across GWAS in general, many of which have focused on European populations. Thus, it remains uncertain how frequently the FOXP4 variant occurs in the Indian population or whether its effects are similar in local contexts, particularly given region-specific factors such as air pollution, metabolic risk, and healthcare variability. India's growing genomic infrastructure is beginning to close foundational data gaps. The GenomeIndia Project has released genomic data on 10,000 individuals from diverse Indian populations. While the project is not focused on disease mapping, it provides a foundational catalogue of genetic variation across populations. This reference can support future studies, such as an India-specific GWAS on long COVID, thus building confidence in translating findings into clinical or diagnostic settings in local contexts. Some limitations This large-scale international study identifies FOXP4 as a genetic factor linked to long COVID, offering a new clue as to why some individuals experience prolonged symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the authors also note several limitations. Most data were collected before widespread vaccination and the emergence of newer variants like Omicron, making it unclear if the findings apply to all populations today. They also caution that evolving definitions of long COVID may have led to misclassification in some cohorts. Additionally, the overall genetic contribution to long COVID appears modest, suggesting that other factors, including immunity and pre-existing conditions, also play key roles. As India continues to address the long-term effects of the pandemic, studies like this highlight the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research. Such efforts can improve public health responses and help tailor care for those living with long COVID. Anirban Mukhopadhyay is a geneticist by training and science communicator from Delhi.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Patients with comorbidity push up Covid admission numbers
Kolkata: The number of Covid patients admitted due to their comorbidities rather than the virus has been increasing at several private hospitals in Kolkata, forcing at least two of them to extend their isolation units. Since a majority of these patients are undergoing prolonged treatment for their comorbidities, their stay periods are long, leaving Covid beds occupied. While new Covid admissions are few, discharges have been even slower over the past week, but not due to Covid, say the hospitals. CMRI Hospital has 14 Covid patients admitted, and Manipal Hospitals also have around 14 across its four units, including Medica Superspecialty Hospital and Manipal Mukundapur, which together have around 10 patients. Peerless Hospital has three, while Woodlands Hospital has a few as well. CMRI has just one severe Covid patient now, while the other 13 admitted have ailments that are taking time to heal. "While we admit a Covid patient every alternate day, discharges are happening every three to four days. These patients have severe comorbidities while their Covid symptoms are mild. They would have been discharged if they didn't have co-ailments," said CMRI pulmonology director Raja Dhar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Taylor Swift, 35, Takes off Her Makeup and Leaves Us Without Words Telehealth Dave Undo CMRI plans to scale up the number of Covid beds to 32 from the existing 18 if the patient number climbs further. It now has 14 patients. "Comorbidities have been stacking up patients," said Dhar. Manipal Hospitals have multiple patients across its four units, including four at Dhakuria. "Barring a couple, the rest have lung or cardiac ailments or have hypertension and diabetes. They tested Covid positive on admission, but their Covid symptoms are mild and manageable. Yet they need to be kept in isolation," said Sayan Chakrabarty, infectious diseases physician at Manipal Dhakuria. While the Dhakuria unit now has 10 Covid beds, including five at the ICU, the Mukundapur unit has five isolation cabins, and the Salt Lake unit has another five. Both Medica and Mukundapur have elderly patients with comorbidities who tested positive on admission. Peerless Hospital had one Covid patient admitted on Saturday, down from three until Friday. "Barring a woman who was admitted with fever, we had two children with mild Covid symptoms who were treated for other ailments and discharged. One child was in ICU, but he was admitted with jaundice and tested Covid positive after admission," said Peerless Hospital CEO Sudipta Mitra. Charnock Hospital had three Covid patients, all of whom were discharged. "We mostly admitted the elderly who had comorbidities like COPD, asthma, lung, or cardiac ailments," said Charnock pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Covid cases on the rise to 38 so far; middle aged take worst hit
Ludhiana: A total of 38 Covid cases, including two deaths, were reported in Ludhiana district by Saturday. Urban areas of the city have reported more cases than rural areas. Most of the patients are young and middle-aged. According to data from the health department, of the 38 cases reported till June 14 this year, 23 patients are male and 15 are female. Maximum of 11 patients were in the 35 to 44 years age group. This is followed by the 15 to 24 years age group, which accounts for 10 cases. There is no case in the 0 to five years age group and three cases in the 55 years and above age group. The casualties include a man in the 35 to 44 year age group and a woman in the 55 years and above age group. A recent report says that of the 38 cases reported till June 14, 29 cases are from urban areas and nine from rural areas. This means that 76.3% of cases reported in the district are from urban areas. The report also says that one of the two patients who died is from the urban area and one from a rural area. Health officials said that most of the patients, who are in the 35 to 44 years age group, are asymptomatic. A health department officer, asking not to be named, said that 50% of cases are in the 25 to 44 years age group, and there are just three cases above 55 years. He added that it was good that fewer persons aged 55 and above were being affected as they tend to have weak immunity. The officer said that there was no reason to panic but asked residents to take precautions, especially while going to crowded places. He added that both patients who died had previous health issues. Meanwhile, health experts advised the elderly to be vigilant. Former IMA Punjab president, Dr Sunil Katyal, attributed the higher number of cases among the middle aged because they are more mobile and likely to go to crowded areas. However, he added that elderly persons need to be on guard as many of them have co-morbidities and less resistance to diseases. Dr Katyal asked the elderly to wear masks, saying that masks would also protect them from other respiratory viral diseases besides Covid. Box 1: Age-wise details Age group | Male patients | Female patients 0-5 years | 0 | 0 6 to 14 years | 1 | 2 15 to 24 years | 6 | 4 25 to 34 years | 7 | 1 35 to 44 years | 8 | 3 45 to 54 years | 1 | 2 55 years and above | 0 | 3 Total | 23 | 15 Box 2: Covid report dated June 14 - Total cases: 38 - Home quarantine completed: 21 -Active cases: 15 - Home isolated: 13 - Deaths: 2 Box 3: Public advisory by health department: 1. Mask usage: Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas 2. Symptom awareness: - If experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or breathing difficulty, isolate yourself, wear a mask, and consult the nearest health centre 3. Precautionary measures: - Maintain hand hygiene and avoid unnecessary gatherings. - Ensure proper ventilation in indoor spaces. MSID:: 121861227 413 |
