Surfactant Protein Genetic Variants in COVID-19 Infection

Overview

Surfactant protein plays important role in innate immunity against respiratory viral infections. However, investigators have shown that the surfactant protein polymorphisms are associated with severity of various pulmonary diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tuberculosis, pediatric acute lung injury. COVID-19 virus gains entry through the respiratory system and responsible for death due to acute respiratory failure. There is a considerable heterogeneity in presentation of COVID-19 infection from asymptomatic patients to severe infection requiring intensive care and some may die. Considering reports of COVID-19 related deaths/severe disease in the same family, it is possible that genetics play an important role in severity of COVID-19 infection. Investigators propose to study the association of surfactant proteins in COVID-19 patients. Key Objectives: a) Characterize genetic markers within the surfactant protein genes in COVID-19 positive patients, b) To determine if there is a correlation between certain genetic markers and the severity of COVID-19 infection which may be used as a prognostic marker, c) To correlate genetic markers with immune studies.

Study Type

• Study Type: Observational [Patient Registry]
• Study Design
  • Time Perspective: Prospective
• Study Primary Completion Date: June 30, 2022

Interventions

• Other: Identification of genetic variants
  • DNA will be extracted from whole blood from study subjects

Arms, Groups and Cohorts

• Mild COVID-19 infection
  • Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection who remained asymptomatic and/or never hospitalized.
• Moderate COVID-19 infection
  • Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection who got admitted in general ward in the hospital.
• Severe COVID-19 infection
  • Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection who got admitted in intensive care unit and/or did not survive.

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

• Correlation of surfactant protein genetic variants with severity of COVID-19 infection
  • Time Frame: 12 months

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

The major inclusion criteria is a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection performed on nasopharyngeal secretions by enzyme immunoassay or culture in patients. Exclusion Criteria:

Patients unable to sign informed consent will be excluded.

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 1 Day

Maximum Age: 90 Years

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: No

Investigator Details

• Lead Sponsor
  • Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
  • Principal Investigator: Chintan Gandhi, Assistant Professor – Milton S. Hershey Medical Center