European Journal of Rheumatology
Short Communication

Coronavirus 2019 outbreak pathogenesis: Why China and Italy?

1.

Multiple Scleosis Center, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

2.

Blood Bank, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gann, Israel

3.

Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7: Supplement S99-S101
DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.2068
Read: 1993 Downloads: 1120 Published: 20 July 2020

COVID-19 has spread to most countries in the world. However, there are differences in the rate of infection in different countries. Specifically, high incidence was reported in specific areas in China (Wuhan) and Italy (Lombardy). These differences may be related to different Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) patterns in various geographic areas. We suggest HLA spreading between Italy and China is related to the travels of Marco Polo through the Silk Road as a potential historic explanation to COVID-19 spreading.

Cite this article as: Achiron A, Mandel M, Sheonefeld Y. Coronavirus 2019 outbreak pathogenesis: Why China and Italy?. Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7(Suppl 2): S99-S101.

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