Norwegian SARS-CoV-2 Study - Virological, Clinical and Immunological Characterisation of COVID-19

Infectious disease is the single biggest cause of death worldwide. New infectious agents,
such as the SARS-CoV-2, require investigation to understand pathogen biology and pathogenesis
in the host. In order to develop a mechanistic understanding of disease processes, such that
risk factors for severe illness can be identified and treatments can be developed, it is
necessary to understand pathogen characteristics associated with virulence, the replication
dynamics and in-host evolution of the pathogen, the dynamics of the host response, the
pharmacology of antimicrobial or host directed therapies, the transmission dynamics, and
factors underlying individual susceptibility.

At Oslo University Hospital, an observational study on the newly discovered emerging SARS-
CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 infection has started. The study has been
approved by the Regional Ethics Committee, so that inclusion of confirmed COVID-19 cases
admitted at the hospital can start immediately including the first patients needing
hospitalisation. The plan is to include more hospitals in other parts of Norway, starting
with inclusion of Akershus University Hospital, Vestre Viken Drammen Hospital and Østfold
Hospital. The study is anticipated to provide much needed data on the course of the COVID-19
infection, as well as generating knowledge about the virus and its transmission.