New research to understand the predictors of coronavirus disease severity
A new research project, led by Barts Health consultant Professor James Moon in collaboration with University College London and Queen Mary University of London, is using samples from staff to understand why some people exposed to coronavirus develop severe disease and others have only minor symptoms.
Healthcare workers are known to have some of the highest exposure rates to the coronavirus, but most have only very mild disease. By understanding why some people are more affected than others, researchers may be able to predict the risk to individuals much earlier, and potentially help to design better treatments.
Most studies only begin to investigate patients when they become ill. However, the study, which launched last month, is collecting samples from frontline staff before they become unwell and is then testing them regularly for infection, over the course of the pandemic.
By adopting this approach, the team can identify the earliest responses to infection that help people remain well, and those that lead to severe disease.
Importantly, the study will also measure the true risk of infection in frontline staff by testing for infection even when it doesn’t cause a severe illness.
The study hit its target of recruiting 400 participants in just 10 days, with many staff staying on after shifts to give blood to help the research. The team now plan to expand the research to 1,000 participants, including those working at the new NHS Nightingale Hospital London.
The collected samples will be divided up into over 200,000 separate batches and distributed across the UK to the best scientific laboratories to look at genetic and immune influences on the severity of disease, and to identify potential targets for new treatments.
The team have already been approached by a number of scientists from organisations across the UK, all of whom have questions that the newly collected data can help to answer.
Professor Moon, a consultant cardiologist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, said:
“Across Barts Health, we’re all working together to help patients with coronavirus, and we know that there will be challenging times ahead.
“However, alongside providing excellent clinical care, it’s vital that we undertake research to provide answers to some of the questions that the disease is presenting us with.”
The study was featured on Channel 4 News this week, in their extended coverage around coronavirus. Watch the interview here.
To find out more about the project visit the COVID Consortium website here or email Bartshealth.COVID-HCW@nhs.net
The study needs donations in order to continue. Please watch a film explaining the study here and visit the JustGiving website here to donate now via Barts Charity.