Could the D614G substitution in the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein be associated with higher COVID-19 mortality?

Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Jul:96:459-460. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.071. Epub 2020 May 26.

Abstract

The increasing number of deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic has raised serious global concerns. Increased testing capacity and ample intensive care availability could explain lower mortality in some countries compared to others. Nevertheless, it is also plausible that the SARS-CoV-2 mutations giving rise to different phylogenetic clades are responsible for the apparent death rate disparities around the world. Current research literature linking the genetic make-up of SARS-CoV-2 with fatalities is lacking. Here, we suggest that this disparity in fatality rates may be attributed to SARS-CoV-2 evolving mutations and urge the international community to begin addressing the phylogenetic clade classification of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to clinical outcomes.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; D614G; S-Protein; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / chemistry
  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Coronavirus Infections / mortality*
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation
  • Pandemics
  • Phylogeny
  • Pneumonia, Viral / genetics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / mortality*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / chemistry
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics*

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2