Northern Colorado SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository (NoCo-COBIO): A Multi-Matrix, Longitudinal Biobank of COVID-19 Patient Specimens

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has swept across the globe and caused over 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Successful prevention and treatment of COVID-19 is dependent on in-depth knowledge of viral behavior across the spectrum of patient phenotypes and physiologic responses. Biobanking provides a valuable resource of easily-accessed, quality-controlled samples for researchers to study current and future pandemics.Methods: Patients with a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR are recruited to enroll in the Northern Colorado SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository (NoCo-COBIO). Participants are enrolled in the acute phase of their disease or from the community during convalescence. Blood, saliva, nasopharyngeal, and stool specimens, as well as extensive clinical and demographic data, are collected at the time of enrollment. This biobanking effort has a longitudinal patient follow-up of four time points, with standardized multi-matrix sample and data collections over a 6-month period. One-year follow up will be performed to assess mortality data and sequelae.Findings: To date, we have enrolled and collected samples from 60 acute and 40 convalescent participants. Twenty (33%) of the acute participants have had one or more follow-up visits, and 90% of participants enrolled during convalescence have completed 2 or more visits.Interpretation: We have successfully created a multi-faceted biobank of specimens from individuals with COVID-19 to advance human SARS-CoV-2 research.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05603677).Funding Statement: The biorepository was initiated by and supported with funding and translational research infrastructure in the CSU ERHS department (Elizabeth P. Ryan) and with the University of Colorado Health Northern Colorado Trauma Research Department (Julie Dunn).Declaration of Interests: The authors disclose no conflict of interest related to the manuscript.Ethics Approval Statement: This biorepository was approved by CSU’s Research Integrity and Compliance Review Office Institutional Review Board (protocol ID 20-10063H), as well as UCH Institutional Review Board (Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board 20-6043).