With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased interest in vitamin D and its role in supporting innate immune responses to respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Some of our experts are involved in the testing of Canadian COVID-19 vaccines. Two recent pre-prints highlight promising results from Providence Therapeutics’ mRNA vaccine and from Medicago’s plant-based vaccine.
In a recent publication in the American Journal of Infection Control, CITF Leadership Group member Dr. Mel Krajden and colleagues in British Columbia conducted a serological survey of long-term care (LTC) residents and staff following outbreaks at two facilities.
CITF-funded scientists from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec participated in an international study which looked to compare the different serological assays used across 27 countries to estimate seroprevalence.
A rapid scoping review highlighting the transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) was prepared by the Nova Scotia COVID-END Evidence Synthesis Group on behalf of the SPOR Evidence Alliance, which included CITF-funded investigator Dr. Lisa Barrett.
CITF Leadership Group member Dr. Allison McGeer and CITF-funded researcher Dr. Mario Ostrowski collaborated on a recent publication in iScience where they attempted to examine the early immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Data on vaccine effectiveness among seniors is lacking since many vaccine trials do not include individuals over the age of 65.
As the COVID-19 pandemic moves into its third wave, it is apparent that socioeconomic determinants of health play a role in determining risk of infection.
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are a significant source of concern, especially the most resistant ones, such as the one originally identified in South Africa (B.1.351).
Studies exploring COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women are likely to face unique methodological challenges.