Antiviral drug resistance and viral shedding in people who are immunocompromised
Description
Project team
- Katherine Bond
- Michael Moso
Project aims
The primary aim of the study is to assess the impact of antiviral therapy in immunocompromised individuals.
Project key research
A pilot study will be undertaken to evaluate viral dynamics and the natural history of COVID-19 in a cohort of immunocompromised individuals and to assess outcomes following antiviral therapy.
The study will include those who are severely immunosuppressed and have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR and follow those who remain PCR positive ≥ 20 days from initial diagnosis.
Participants will have serial PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2, with whole genome sequencing and viral culture as well as quantitative viral load and phenotypic susceptibility testing for a subset of samples.
Participants may be recommended antiviral therapy as per the treating infectious diseases clinician, in line with current standard of care.
Clinical outcomes, including symptoms, disease severity, and time to recovery will be assessed. This study will also facilitate targeted surveillance for drug- and antibody-resistant mutations.