Background

Most clinical research to date has been focusing on COVID-19 patients with moderately severe to severe disease because these are groups of patients that are admitted to hospitals for management worldwide. As a consequence, little is known about the natural history and transmission potential of completely asymptomatic and very mild infection with SARS-CoV-2.

We are in a unique position to study the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the strict isolation, quarantine and contract tracing protocols enacted in Viet Nam. We are able, therefore, to recruit patients into our studies at all stages of infection, including pre- and asymptomatic carriers.

We also aim to evaluate the utility potential of wearable devices in monitoring COVID-19 patients remotely, thereby reducing the risk of transmission for healthcare workers.

Objectives:

1. To describe the clinical, laboratory and virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection;
2. To study the immune responses in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients;
3. To identify potential protein markers that can predict severe disease;
4. To unravel the evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2 at both within the human host and population-level;
5. to evaluate the utility potential of rapid antigen tests for the diagnostics and management of COVID-19 patients;
6. To develop and sustain a research platform at key institutes and hospitals in Viet Nam to enable the country to rapidly respond to emerging infection outbreaks in the future.