This study targets the influence of SARS-CoV-2, and the presence of mixed/co-infections on the respiratory microbiome. Their interrelationship will be characterized in a prospective observational study design. The observed changes will be correlated to medical (FEV1, CXR/CT, mortality, morbidity, symptoms) and clinical laboratory parameters (hematology, coagulation, bacterial/viral detection). The study aims at the detection of significant changes in microbiome in the respiratory tract following incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These alterations in the respiratory microbiome will be determined by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Ultimately, this can provide a better understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 and the presence of other bacteria and viruses affect the composition of the respiratory microbiome and a description of the microbiological etiology of these respiratory tract infections.
This is a longitudinal, prospective observational study focusing on health-related outcomes relative to potential changes in the respiratory microbiome seen with weekly SARS-CoV-2 testing in nursing home residents.