Building a collection of human biological samples in France

CORSER project – A seroepidemiological study of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
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Aim: to detect the presence of specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different populations, either those who traveled to China in the weeks preceding the start of the outbreak, or those with suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2. The aim is to understand:

  • When and how the virus was transmitted from animals to humans
  • When the virus began circulating in humans in France
  • How long the infectious period lasts
  • What percentage of patients experience few or no symptoms

To answer these questions, the scientists will carry out the first seroepidemiological studies (detecting coronavirus antibodies in patients) of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while also developing a serological test. Samples will be taken:

- from subjects who traveled to China during the period from August 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 and who were not diagnosed as infected with SARS-CoV-2 (CORSER-1);

- from suspected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection that tested negative for the virus with the RT-PCR assay on a respiratory sample; contacts or individuals exposed to confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection; or individuals who worked or stayed in a hospital where confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were treated (CORSER-2).

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