Study on Natural progression of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in Vietnam (ISARIC)

Background Most clinical studies to date have focused only on patients with severe or moderate COVID-19 because this is a worldwide population of hospitalized patients for treatment. As a result, the natural course and transmission potential of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is unknown. We are in a unique position to study the natural progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection, given the strict quarantine and contact tracing procedures enacted in Vietnam. We were therefore able to enroll patients of all stages of infection into the study, especially those who were asymptomatic but were carriers of the virus. Importance Our goal is to better understand the natural course of infection. This is important for informing the development of intervention strategies and is closely related to the ongoing global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. - Target To describe the clinical, laboratory and virological features of SARS-CoV-2 infection; To characterize the immune response in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2; To identify potential protein markers that can predict severe disease; To elucidate the evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2 at both the host and population levels; To develop and maintain a research platform at key institutes and hospitals in Vietnam to help the country respond promptly to future outbreaks of new infections.