More than six months have passed since the first case of new corona pneumonia was discovered, but the global epidemic caused by the new coronavirus is still intensifying. In response, the world is developing vaccines against new coronaviruses with unprecedented high efficiency, and the candidate vaccines that have made rapid progress have entered phase II clinical trials. It is clear from the medical experts that different individuals respond differently to SARS CoV-2 infection with some being asymptomatic while others have severe complications with varying degrees of morbidity and mortality. Although lifestyle, environmental factors, and pre-existing health conditions may be contributing factors to your risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and response, your genes may also influence how you respond to exposure to SARS CoV-2 virus.

myGenomics together with Breakthrough Genomics has had a long-standing commitment to helping you better understand your genome to empower you on your personal health journey and to help you live a healthy and long life. As the pandemic started to unfold, our team used our proprietary artificial intelligence and deep machine learning powered database to identify the genes and variants that have been associated with SARS CoV-2 from 2019, SARS-CoV1 from the SARS outbreak in 2003, as well as the middle east respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERSCoV) from 2012. In many cases, these studies had either not been published in peer-reviewed journals, or had not been confirmed by other scientific groups. As such, these finding are considered “anecdotal” since establishing causality between a genotype and phenotype requires rigorous validation studies that is more than just statistics but also explains the mechanism of action at the molecular, cellular, tissue and whole organism levels.

Most of the genes and variants we identified provide a feasible mechanism of action at the molecular level that could translate into biological effects that can either impact the infection or replication of the virus or your immune response to viral infection. Although research efforts have been initiated to this end (see https://www.covidhge.com/ and https://covidgenomics.org/), our team felt that the data with the variants we identified was so compelling that we should make this information available now on a research or informational basis; especially given the acute and rapid nature of COVID-19 development in some patients. As such the variants reported should be considered as our best professional opinion, and is based on limited information with less clinical information that is considered acceptable by BTG or other clinical labs for a diagnostic genetic test. The results are therefore hypothetical in nature and are not necessarily predictive of how you will respond to SARS CoV-2 exposure. Our aim is not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease. The information is provided for educational purposes and should not be used to make any medical decisions. Any health concerns, changes in lifestyle, or additional precautionary measures you make as we transition from sheltering-in-place to returning to work, travel, and our normal routine activities, should be discussed with a healthcare professional. We hope to that this information has been useful and that you stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

The report will cover 4 major categories:

  • 1. Virus infection or replication
  • 2. Innate immunity and antiviral defense
  • 3. Inflammatory cytokine responses
  • 4. Other immune related responses

Sample requirements

Genomic DNA (1-2 micrograms) / 2ml whole blood in lavender top tube / 2ml Saliva (kits available at $10+shipping).

Turnaround time: Sample-Report

3-10 days (min sample requirement).

Results

The results section of each variant describes the variant, its potential impact on the gene it is associated with and how that may impact virus infection, general immune function, SARS development and the relative severity. Information regarding protection, resistance, or susceptibility is shown. The scientific journal or reference material is available upon request. If you would like more information about your genes, gene variants, and how your genes influence diseases see https://www.genome.gov/About-Genomics/Introduction Even though the results may suggest you are highly resistant to infection SARS CoV2, it does not guarantee that you cannot be infected. Likewise, a highly susceptible variant may not necessarily mean you will develop severe SARS if infected. Many individuals are deciding not to follow the recommended precautionary measures for avoiding COVID-19, you may want to consider the results of your susceptibility assessment as well as lifestyle, environmental factors, and pre-existing health conditions in this regard or consult your healthcare professional.