Coronavirus Host Genomics Study: South Africa (COVIGen-SA)
Date
2022-10-06
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Abstract
However, continental Africans are yet to be adequately represented in such studies despite the importance of genetic factors in
understanding Africa’s response to the pandemic. We describe the development of a research resource for coronavirus host
genomics studies in South Africa known as COVIGen-SA—a multicollaborator strategic partnership designed to provide
harmonised demographic, clinical, and genetic information specific to Black South Africans with COVID-19. Over 2,000
participants have been recruited to date. Preliminary results on 1,354 SARS-CoV-2 positive participants from four participating
studies showed that 64.7% were female, 333 had severe disease, and 329 were people living with HIV. *rough this resource, we
aim to provide insights into host genetic factors relevant to African-ancestry populations, using both genome-wide association
testing and targeted sequencing of important genomic loci. *is project will promote and enhance partnerships, build skills, and
develop resources needed to address the COVID-19 burden and associated risk factors in South African communities.