Immunogenic Potential of the Mediterranean Fever Gene in Patients with Coronavirus Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a pandemic and caused a global health crisis. This study evaluates the immunogenic potential of the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2020 in various COVID-19 referral centers in Ardabil, Iran. Blood samples of 50 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated for MEFV gene mutation using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 22.0. RESULTS: Mutations of the MEFV gene were found in 6 (12%) of the patients. All mutations were heterozygous, and no homozygous or compound heterozygous forms were detected. The total mutant allele frequency was 6% and the carrier rate was 12%. The most common allele of the MEFV variant was E148Q, detected in 3 (6%) patients. No mutant variant of the MEFV gene was detected in deceased patients. None of the mutation carriers had familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) symptoms or a family history of FMF. CONCLUSION: MEFV gene mutations may have immunogenic potential in patients with COVID-19. A preprint version of this article has already been published at https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-69373/latest.pdf.