The main objectives of this study are 1) to establish the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 inasymptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) in an early phase of community spread as well as2) to monitor the future spread of the disease by assessing serological responses toSARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs over time and 3) to improve theassessment of the immune response and its protective effect as well as the assessment ofinfectivity of affected HCWs and 4) to evaluate the value and significance of antibodyformation and serological antibody tests and 5) to be able to evaluate possible futurepreventive and / or therapeutic approaches against SARS-CoV-2, e.g. to assess vaccinationeffects
This study aims to collect information on staff working at the Greifswald University
hospital.
Over a 5 year period, a maximum of 12 study visits per participant are planned. At each
visit, nasal/throat swabs (for PCR testing) and/or blood samples (to assess immunological
responses, e.g. for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing) will be collected. This will help to
gain a better understanding of viral load and immunological responses, e.g. antibody
development and their effects over time.
At study visit 2 - 12, participants will also be asked to fill in a questionnaire (asking
for SARS-CoV-2 risk factors, perceived risk, impact of the pandemic on their quality of
life, their interest in getting a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine/their SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status
and vaccination side effects).
The remaining blood samples will be stored in a repository for future research.
The study is part of a modular SARS-CoV-2-research programme of the University Medicine
Greifswald.
Diagnostic Test: Nasal swab
SARS-CoV-2 PCR
Diagnostic Test: Serum testing
Anti-SARS-CoV2 S protein IgG ELISA, serological changes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Inclusion Criteria:
1. >= 18 years of age
2. Willing and able to complete a written consent form
3. Willing to have blood samples stored for future research
4. Healthcare worker employed at Greifswald University Hospital
Exclusion Criteria:
1. < 18 years of age
2. Decline to participate
Greifswald University Medicine
Greifswald, Germany