Role of genetic factors in pneumonia and COVID-19

Pneumonia causes the highest mortality of all infectious diseases worldwide. The most common pathogens are bacteria but there are also epidemic or pandemic lung infections caused by influenza or coronaviruses, such as the current pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and immune pathologies, such as in sepsis, important challenges lie in considering the susceptibility of individual patients. Here, age, medication and comorbidities are considered; however, there is also clear evidence of genetic influences on the individual risk of developing pneumonia or developing a severe course of the disease. This article discusses the genetic influences on pneumonia and the clinical significance.