James Pandarakalam,
Analysis of an Epidemiological Anomaly of COVID-19: Transcultural and Immunological Psychiatry
Clinical Microbiology and Research
2021
2674-418X
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.CMR.2021.01.01
https://www.sciencerepository.org/analysis-of-an-epidemiological-anomaly-of-covid-19_CMR-2021-1-101 
Abstract: Evidence exists for an epidemiological trend of transmission concentrations of COVID-19 within migrant
communities from tropical weather conditions. Minority groups are over-represented in hospitalisations and
deaths from the virus, and it appears that the observed anomaly may be due to multifactorial causes.
Underactive immune responses in cooler temperatures and diminished synthesis of vitamin D, both of which
are associated with genetic factors among ethnic minority groups, could help to explain the higher incidence
of COVID-19 among ethnic minority communities. Neither factor is specific to a migrant community but
common to general populations. The overstatement of contributory genetic factors runs the risk of racial
stigmatisation. If environmental factors are given their due importance, individuals belonging to ethnic
minorities may try to adopt new ways to combat the pandemic, while overemphasising racial factors would
only leave them helpless. The renewed interest of psychiatrists in immunology would support the emerging
field of immunopsychiatry. COVID-19 is environmentally sensitive, and all medical specialities, including
the mental health profession, should contribute their wisdom to defeating or making a truce with the viral
phenomenon.Keywords: Immunity, genetics, compromised immunity, thermal regulations, vitamin D, comorbidity