Study Finds Neanderthal DNA Raises COVID-19 Severity Risk
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Researchers in Italy found people with Neanderthal gene variants were more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19.
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The variants were associated with a higher risk of severe pneumonia and needing ventilation.
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The Neanderthal haplotype was found to be a major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19.
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Other studies have also linked Neanderthal DNA to health conditions like Dupuytren's disease.
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A previous study found a link between Neanderthal ancestry and increased risk of cytokine storm with COVID-19.