Expression of cytokines and other biomarkers for the prediction of severe disease in COVID-19 patients

Infection by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) results in COVID-19, a highly heterogeneous disease ranging from being asymptomatic and mild to severe and causing death. Early screening and effective intervention for COVID-19 patients who will develop severe disease are essential to reduce the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients. Various groups have published prognostic markers that can be used to predict which patients will progress to severe or life-threatening disease. However, these studies were done prior to the Omicron SARS-CoV2 virus variant becoming the dominant strain, and prior to large scale vaccination programs. We propose to collect blood samples and clinical information from the current population of COVID19 patients at Vancouver General Hospital to determine whether previously defined diagnostic markers can be used, and to develop a new panel specific for the current period in the pandemic.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alice Mui

Student:

Partner:

Vancouver Coastal Health

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: