Research on SARS-CoV-2 (Corona Virus)

Along with scientists, policy-makers, and citizens around the world, in late winter 2020 EBPI researchers quickly mobilized to apply their unique expertise in a swift, coordinated response to the SARS-CoV-2 crisis. We banded together within our Institute, across Swiss universities through the Corona Immunitas initiative, and with colleagues around the world to answer timely questions about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting Covid-19 illness.

Four ongoing, population-based prospective cohort studies of the Corona Immunitas Research Program continue to bring together epidemiologists, immunologists and infectious disease specialists to deliver critical evidence to inform public health measures in Switzerland. The immunosurveillance studies below (all continuing through at least 2022) rely on a combination of laboratory tests and participant surveys to answer questions about the evolving global pandemic. Current aims (for 2022 – 2023) are listed for each cohort study. To learn about previous and ongoing SARS-CoV-2 studies based at the EBPI, click on the corresponding image at the bottom of the page.

1. CORONA IMMUNITAS COHORT STUDY:
Phase 5 (March 2022) & 6 (June 2022):

Aims to determine:
a. proportion of the population with antibodies as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, or both
b. extent of neutralization among seropositive individuals against variants of concern (VoC) and longitudinal trajectories of neutralizing antibodies
c. incidence of infection, reinfection, and association with immune status
d. prevalence of Long Covid associated with Omicron variant

2. ZURICH SARS-CoV-2 COHORT (ZSAC):

Aims to determine:
a. short- and long-term immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection with possible subsequent vaccination and re-infection
b. incidence of re-infection
c. incidence and severity of Long Covid trajectories over time
Zurich SARS-CoV-2 Cohort: more information

3. ZURICH SARS-CoV-2 VACCINE COHORT (ZVAC):

Aims to determine, by specific vaccine and compared to ZSAC population:

a. short- and long-term immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with possible subsequent booster vaccination and infection
b. incidence of infection
c. preventative and therapeutic effect of vaccination on Long Covid

Zurich SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Cohort (ZVAC): more information

4. CIAO CORONA:

a. Determine SARS-CoV-2-related natural and vaccine-induced immunity in children and adolescents. Time course of immunity since pandemic onset
b. Characterize symptoms and risk constellations for Long Covid
c. Determine child and adolescent mental health and well-being. Measure their association with lifestyle factors over course of pandemic