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Research building

Objectives
The objectives of the study have been divided into two work packages (WP) and their respective sub-objectives.

WP1

In WP1 we aim to measure the duration and routes of viral shedding, genetic diversity and development of immunity of non-hospitalised individuals with COVID-19 to improve guidelines for biosafety and patient isolation by:

  • Determining the viral load kinetics and duration of viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in bodily specimens through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR).
  • Evaluating the viability of the virus in different specimens and at various time points of patient follow-up, by viral culturing.
  • Determining the relation of viral load kinetics and the appearance and kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, and IgG antibodies over time.
  • Determining the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 through whole-genome sequencing (WGS).
  • Determining the chain of transmission within the HH and into the working environment, especially for healthcare settings, through viral WGS.

WP2

Within WP2 we expect to aid in establish guidelines for the management of (non-hospitalised) COVID-19 patients at home, including early detection of predicting factors for severity and long-term consequences by:

  • Describing the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in non-hospitalised individuals and determine potential risk factors for mild versus more severe clinical evolution.
  • assessing the development of long-term sequelae and post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVS) in non-hospitalised COVID-19 individuals.
  • correlating laboratory parameters and cytokine changes with clinical evolution.
  • determining the relation of viral load & anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody kinetics with clinical evolution.