Polish scientists have discovered a gene that they believe doubles the risk of severe COVID-19, reports BTA.

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Researchers hope their discovery will help doctors identify the people most at risk for the disease.

With hesitant attitudes toward vaccines, a major factor behind high coronavirus mortality in Central and Eastern Europe, researchers hope that identifying those most at risk will encourage them to get vaccinated and give them access to more treatment options in case of infection.

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"After more than a year and a half of work, it has been possible to identify a gene responsible for predisposing to more severe coronavirus disease," said Health Minister Adam Nedjelski.

"This means that in the future we will be able to identify people who are more likely to suffer from COVID-19," he added.

Researchers from the Medical University of Białystok have found that the gene in question is the fourth most important factor after age, gender and weight, determining how seriously a person will suffer from COVID-19.

The gene is present in about 14 percent of Poland's population, compared to 8-9 percent in Europe as a whole and 27 percent in India, said Marcin Moniuszko, head of the study.

Other studies have also shown the importance of genetic factors in the severity of COVID-19 development.

In November, British scientists discovered a gene that is probably associated with twice the risk of lung failure in COVID-19, recalls the agency.

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