The Washington University Institute of Clinical & Translational Sciences, with support from The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (FBJH), has awarded funding to faculty members for COVID-19 translational research. The grants, part of the COVID-19 Research Funding Program, provide critical financial support for research that has the potential to influence COVID-19 patient care within the next year. In collaboration with FBJH, the Washington University ICTS awarded faculty members for COIVD-19 translational research. All research will be conducted at Washington University in St. Louis or BJC and projects are set to begin on July 1, 2020.
Infectious Diseases Division Award Recipients
Ige George, MD, MS, assistant professor of medicine
Ultrasensitive SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test for Rapid Diagnosis of COVID-19
A recent breakthrough in ultrasensitive fluorescent immunoassays enables the possibility of cheap, fast, simple SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing that is at least as accurate and reproducible as state-of-the-art ELISA. We will develop a test using this technology and evaluate its accuracy on clinical samples (nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva) from patients with COVID-19 disease and compare with current gold standard nucleic acid amplification tests.
Stephen Liang, MD, MPHS, associate professor of medicine
Aerosol Characterization in Frontline COVID-19 Healthcare Settings
While SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted primarily through larger respiratory droplets and direct contact, concern remains that smaller particles (aerosols & droplet nuclei) capable of carrying the virus may be created during patient care and certain procedures. Using air particle monitoring instruments, we will identify whether this is occurring in the emergency department and inpatient settings during acute care, and in dental clinics.
Rachel Presti, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine
Clinical Predictors of Longitudinal Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2
This study will use samples collected from patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We will look at the immune response over the first year after infection to understand the associations between strong and durable antibody responses and the symptoms and severity of the initial COVID-19 disease. These studies will help us understand who makes good antibodies, how long they last, and how protective they are.