Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Study of Hospitalized Patients in Hong Kong

COVID-19 may cause another world-wide epidemic. This study is divided into 2 arms: (1)Prospective longitudinal observational study involving patients with laboratory-confirmedCOVID-19 and (2) Retrospective study on patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19.Arm 1:We will collect EDTA blood, stool samples, rectal swab, urine, saliva, and specimens fromupper respiratory tract (nasopharyngeal aspirate or flocked swab), and lower respiratorytract (sputum or tracheal aspirate) on daily, alternate day, or weekly basis asappropriate.Arm 2:The remainder of specimens that were submitted for laboratory investigation as part ofclinical management will be retrieved. Those specimens will only be used after allclinically indicated testing and confirmation procedures have been completed. Assistancefrom the Public Health Laboratory Service, Department of Health, will be invited toretrieve samples as well as participate in this study.Patients hospitalized for pneumonia in medical wards and ICU at the Prince of WalesHospital tested negative for COVID-19 will be recruited as controls.Understanding the clinical, virological, microbiological and immunological profiles ofthis infection is urgently needed to facilitate its management and control.