"Warsaw Genomics is running a project „Group immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Poland - validation serological tests and determination of the level of IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from the incidence of 2,500 people in COVID - 19 by Warsaw Genomics. The study is financed by the Medical Research Agency, Poland, project number Research 2020/ABM/COVID19/0071.

Aim of the project: With respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, population health management requires estimation of the number of persons, in particular healthcare professionals, who developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and might be resistant to possible reinfection when the second wave of the virus occurs. Information on the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 will also provide information on the group immunity in Poland and the general protection of the population. Unfortunately, numerous papers and opinions point out low sensitivity and specificity of currently available serological tests. Thus, the aim of this project is to identify the most specific and sensitive test for SARS-CoV-2 IgG measurement in the Polish population and to estimate IgG levels in certain time points (1, 3, 9 and 12 months after the infection). The study will be conducted in two groups: group #1 of 1250 patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed in a RT-PCR test performed between March and April by Warsaw Genomics, and group #2 of 1250 patients with negative RT-PCR test despite being in close proximity of infected patients. Each of the patients will donate blood in 4 time points, blood samples will be drawn by a medical professional. Implementation of the project will allow for identification of the most accurate kit for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and for estimation of IgG levels at certain time points. This will allow for elaboration of recommendations for the serologic diagnostics of the past COVID-19 and will allow for estimation of group immunity within the Polish population prior to the next expected SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

Principal Investigator: Krystian Jażdżewski, MD, PhD

Project budget: 4 376 500,00 PLN

Implementation period: 2020-2021