Sub-project 1:~This is an observational retrospective study that aims to evaluate the expression of receptors and activating proteases mediating SARS-CoV-2 entry and spreading in the local population of Ticino. The level of expression of these factors will be compared between infected and non-infected subjects. The sub-project will examine RNA samples from nasopharyngeal swabs taken from subjects tested for COVID-19.~Sub-project 2:~This is a haplotype- and diplotype-based case-control retrospective study that aims to investigate the association between the HSD3B1 gene variations and outcome of COVID-19 in the local population of Ticino. The gene status of HSD3B1 will be defined and compared between two groups of patients: the patients who experienced a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (severe pulmonary insufficiency, ICU admission, eventually death) and the group with a mild-moderate COVID-19 disease without pulmonary insufficiency and oxygen need.
The study includes 2 sub-projects.~Sub-project 1: The aim is to evaluate the expression of receptors and activating proteases mediating SARS-CoV-2 entry and spreading in the local population of Ticino.~Sub-project 2: The aim is to investigate the association between the HSD3B1 gene variations and outcome of COVID-19 in the local population of Ticino.