A Longitudinal Study of COVID-19 Sequelae and Immunity

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a newly recognized viral disease primarily involving the respiratory tract. The world is currently experiencing COVID-19 pandemic with a significant portion of those infected developing severe disease manifestations including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome with respiratory failure, and, in some cases, death. The clinical characteristics and spectrum of disease severity of acute COVID-19 are currently being defined. Since COVID-19 is a new disease, very little is known about possible clinical sequelae that may persist after resolution of the acute infection. In addition, the characteristics of the initial cellular immune and antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) have not been fully defined and it is not known if the immune responses generated by infection provides long-term protective immunity. The purpose of this study is to establish a longitudinal cohort that has recovered from COVID-19 and characterize the clinical sequelae of acute infection, characterize the immune response to the virus, and follow the evolution of the immune response over time and determine the extent to which natural immunity is protective against re-infection. During the past fiscal year, this protocol has enrolled 200 COVID19 survivors and 130 controls without SARS-CoV2 infection. These 330 participants have undergone detailed diagnostic testing and evaluation. Samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, and plasma has been collected from all participants for research studies into the pathogenesis of the post acute COVID19 syndrome.