The aim of this study is to confirm or rule out the residual presence and viability ofSARS- CoV-2 in the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma of patients previously infectedwith SARS-CoV-2.Presence and viability of SARS-CoV-2 in lung tissue will be assessed with reversetranscriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral culture. The histologicallocation of residual SARS-CoV-2 will be determined with fluorescence immunohistochemistryand single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization, targeting viral proteins and RNArespectively.
The investigators will collect residuary lung tissue after medically indicated pulmonary
resections at the Thoracic Surgery Department of University Hospitals Leuven. More
specifically the investigators will collect lung tissue from patients that had earlier
PCR proven COVID-19 and/or serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Furthermore, for negative control of the methodology the investigators will also collect
lung tissue from patients that have no signs for earlier SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Diagnostic Test: Lung biopsy
Biopsy of residuary material from a medically indicated pulmonary resection
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patient requires medically indicated pulmonary resection
- Informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19
- No informed consent
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
Investigator: Laurens J Ceulemans, MD, PhD
Contact: + 32 16 34 34 25
laurens.ceulemans@uzleuven.be
Laurens J Ceulemans, MD, PhD
+ 32 16 34 34 25
laurens.ceulemans@uzleuven.be
Laurens J Ceulemans, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator
UZ Leuven