Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most frequent x-chromosome linked enzyme deficiency in the human species and is estimated to affect 500 million people worldwide. It is widely distributed and particularly frequent in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean area. The recent Corona Virus pandemic has made this population very vulnerable. Today the number of deaths from Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Iran, stands at approximately 60,000 (updated for Apr 27th, 2020).

Results of research published in the medical literature suggest G6PD deficient individuals being more susceptible to viral infections, including earlier strains of the coronavirus (229E) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18269318)

Chloroquine, a potential drug that might be used for managing the coronavirus pandemic, has historically been classified as potentially causing adverse reactions ​in G6PD Deficient individuals. This means that while a normal individual might find reprieve ​with treatment options like Chloroquine, doctors may not be able to administer these drugs without harm in G6PD Deficient individuals. There are a number of treatment options besides Chloroquine that are categorized as high-risk drugs for G6PD Deficient Individuals. ( https://www.g6pd.org/en/G6PDDeficiency/SafeUnsafe/drugs-official-list  

We need the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take notice of this population during this pandemic. More research on G6PD Deficiency and its impact on the coronavirus pandemic will allow for better access to testing and medical support when desperately needed. It will also create worldwide awareness and allow this community to be more prepared during the pandemic.