Translational, prospective / retrospective, non-profit, non-pharmacological study, with cohort characteristics. The study consists of two parts: the first to study epidemiological aspects of the spread of the disease and the second one to identify infection-related genetic factors.
The outbreak of COVID-19 infections is spreading in Italy with unprecedented severity
characteristics. In this context, it is essential to collect data relating to the
epidemiology of the disease, to outline further useful tools for diagnosis and to define the
correct use of rapid molecular and / or serological tests in the surveillance of high-risk
subjects (cancer patients and healthcare operators), in order to identify any new disease
control strategies, crucial to reduce the transmission and to outline specific guidelines for
cancer patients healthcare management. It is also necessary to identify the factors that
determine the evolution of the viral genome over time in the various geographical areas and
also the potential susceptibility markers in the different types of affected subjects
(symptomatic, mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic).
Other: serological test
serological test assessing IgM and IgG directed against SARS-CoV-2
Other: Rapid molecular test
Molecular test to detect SARS-CoV-2 in oro/rhinopharyngeal swab
Genetic: Next generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis
analysis of genetic variability of virus and host
Other: serum chemistry analysis
Analysis of serum chemistry factors and coagulation panel in blood samples
For epidemiologic analysis:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age > 18 years
- asymptomatic
- One of the following three conditions: • Healthy subjects who have had contact with
COVID-19 positive patients • Healthcare workers • oncological patients candidates for
cytotoxic chemotherapy at myeloablative doses (such as transplants) or treated with
immune-check point inhibitors.
- informed consent to the study and processing of data
Exclusion Criteria:
- presence of symptoms for COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) (fever > 37.5 °, cough,
shortness of breath)
For analysis of viral/host genetic factors involved in susceptibility/resistance to
infection, samples from patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, residual from
diagnostic procedures will be analyzed. All samples for genetic analysis will be
anonymized.
UO Microbiologia,Centro Servizi Pievesestina, AUSL Romagna
Cesena, FC, Italy
Irst Irccs
Meldola, FC, Italy
Giovanni Martinelli, Prof
+39 0543 739100
giovanni.martinelli@irst.emr.it
Oriana Nanni, Dr
+39 0543 739100
oriana.nanni@irst.emr.it
Giovanni Martinelli, Prof., Principal Investigator
IRST IRCCS