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Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Objectives The RNA virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cell entry is mediated by the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). ACE2 and its close homolog angiotensin-converting enzyme I (ACE) are currently discussed candidate genes, in which single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could alter binding or entry of SARS-CoV-2 and enhance tissue damage in the lung or other organs. This could increase the susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19. Patients and methods We performed genotyping of SNPs in the genes ACE2 and ACE in 297 SARS-CoV-2-positive and 253 SARS-CoV-2-negative tested patients. We analyzed the association of the SNPs with susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19. Results SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative patients did not differ regarding demographics and clinical characteristics. For ACE2 rs2285666, the GG genotype or G-allele was significantly associated with an almost two-fold increased SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and a three-fold increased risk to develop serious disease or COVID-19 fatality. In contrast, the ACE polymorphism was not related to infection risk or severity of disease. In a multivariable analysis, the ACE2 rs2285666 G-allele remained as an independent risk factor for serious disease besides the known risk factors male gender and cardiovascular disease. Conclusions In summary, our report appears to be the first showing that a common ACE2 polymorphism impacts the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the course of COVID-19 independently from previously described risk factors.

Madrider Mitteilungen, Vol. 61 (2020), Der vorliegende Beitrag bespricht Roms m��gliche Motive f��r die Eroberung der gesamten Iberischen Halbinsel nach der Niederlage der kolonialen Verwaltung Karthagos in S��dspanien, dem heutigen Andalusien. Er res��miert die moderne kontroverse Diskussion dar��ber, ob die Annektion Spaniens eine notwendige Ma��nahme zur Selbstverteidigung oder im Gegenteil eine Chance der Bereicherung darstellte. Die Schlu��folgerung des Autors ist, dass nach der Niederlage von Hannibal Spanien keine Bedrohung mehr darstellte und die Annektion daher sowohl in Roms ideologischer ��berzeugung der Eroberung und Dominanz, als auch dem Ehrgeiz der r��mischen Aristokratie nach Ehre, Ruhm und Beute begr��ndet liegt.