The purpose of this research study is 1) to conduct a prospective longitudinal surveillance research trial, enrolling up to 200 CCHMC employees as they come back to work, and then following their clinical and laboratory parameters for up to 12 months; and 2) to support the ongoing development of diagnostic techniques for COVID-19. The overall goal is to investigate patterns of SARS-COV-2 infection, including immunological recovery and genetic risk factors, among CCHMC employees to better understand how to safely reintroduce the CCHMC work force back into their normal routines.
As the global and pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) continues,
many knowledge gaps remain with regard to the epidemiology and transmission of infection, as
well as the normal immunological responses after viral exposure. Cincinnati only recently
(March 14, 2020) had its first confirmed case of COVID-19, and through shelter-in-place and
social distancing efforts, has avoided the community spread experienced by some other large
metropolitan areas. As investigators contemplate the gradual reintroduction of the Cincinnati
Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) workforce back into the hospital, it is imperative
that investigators determine the current prevalence of infection among CCHMC employees,
measure the cumulative incidence of infection over the next 12 months, investigate the normal
antibody patterns after infection, and help elucidate what constitutes a protective
immunological response. Investigators have a unique but time-limited opportunity to optimally
track the epidemiology and natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection at CCHMC, including risk
factors for transmission and immunological recovery. RETURN will investigate epidemiological
and immunological features of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in a limited cohort of CCHMC
employees, as they return from the current shelter-at-home directive toward a normal work
environment. By collecting and analyzing weekly serial samples for SARS-CoV-2 (nasal swab for
virus by PCR) and monthly serological exposure (serum antibodies by ELISA), investigators
will determine the prevalence and cumulative incidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2; document
the antibody responses over time; identify cases of apparent viral recrudescence or
re-infection; and create models of transmission risk among CCHMC employees.
Diagnostic Test: SARS-CoV-2
Testing weekly samples from nasal swabs to promptly diagnose acute COVID-19 infection.
Testing monthly serum samples to document post-viral infection.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Current full-time employees at Cincinnati Children's Hospital
- Age: >18.0 years of age, at the time of enrollment
- Cell phone that can be used for text messaging or web-based viewing of surveys
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Ability to comply with all study related evaluations and follow-up
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous proven SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive PCR-based molecular test)
- Any condition or illness that makes study participation ill-advised
- Currently or planning to enroll in a COVID-19 vaccine or prophylaxis study
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States