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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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05/24/2021

Hot Topics of the Day are picked by experts to capture the latest information and publications on public health genomics and precision health for various diseases and health topics. Sources include published scientific literature, reviews, blogs and popular press articles.

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Identification and trajectory of growth of concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants in Houston, Texas, January through April 2021 based on 11,568 genome sequences
RJ Olsen et al, MEDRXIV, May 23, 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 variant designated UK B.1.1.7 increased very rapidly, and now causes 75%-90% of all new cases in the Houston area. Five of the 2,543 B.1.1.7 genomes had an E484K change in spike protein. Compared with non-B.1.1.7 patients, individuals infected with B.1.1.7 had a significantly lower cycle threshold value (considered to be a proxy for higher virus load) and higher rate of hospitalization. Other variants (e.g., B.1.429, B.1.427, P.1, P.2, and R.1) also increased rapidly in frequency, although the magnitude was less than for B.1.1.7.

Clinical, immunological and genomic characterization of asymptomatic and symptomatic cases with SARS-CoV-2 infection, India
S Chatterjee et al, MEDRXIV, May 23, 2021

What factors have determined how well countries have done in responding to the pandemic?
R Smith, BMJ, May 21, 2021

These Sisters With Sickle Cell Had Devastating, and Preventable, Strokes
G Kolata, NY Times, May 23, 2021

This is a paradoxical moment for people who have this painful, deadly disease. For the first time, gene therapies that have advanced through clinical trials offer the real possibility of a cure. But Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said the lack of attention paid to sickle cell historically “is one more reflection of the fact that we do not have equity in our country.”

Clinical utility gene card for: Long-QT syndrome
BM Beckman et al, EJHG, May 24, 2021

Genetic testing can be offered to apparently healthy relatives within the family in order to determine if they carry the same variant affecting function and are at risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias. If the relative carries the known disease-associated variant a prophylactic inexpensive medical treatment can be started and specific advice can be given to gene carriers. There is a reduction of the relative risk for developing serious cardiac events of about 65%.


Disclaimer: Articles listed in Hot Topics of the Day are selected by Public Health Genomics Branch to provide current awareness of the scientific literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.
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