December 2020
A new study to determine whether particular groups in the Cyprus population have Covid-19 antibodies was initiated in November, by three of the country’s universities: the University of Nicosia Medical School, the University of Cyprus Medical School and the Centre of Excellence and Biomedical Research, and the Department of Health Sciences of the European University.
In a press conference held on 18 November 2020, UNIC Medical School Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Virology Petros Karayiannis said “To date, little is known about the quality and duration of antibodies. Studies have shown that, at least, those who are asymptomatic seem not to produce the same proportion of antibodies as those who suffered serious symptoms. What we don’t know is whether people who fell ill are prone to get sick again.”
Constantinos Deltas, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Head of CEBR added “The study aims at checking for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which we know is responsible for Covid-19 in three population groups in Cyprus. Our team thinks it is still unpredictable how long the pandemic will endure and how many lives it would threaten worldwide, but as scientists we ought to do whatever we can with the tools at our disposal to better prepare the health system and the Cypriot population to manage it.”
The first phase of the study entails recruiting volunteers to take part in the study by donating biological material.
For participation, volunteers should call 22 892 815 or through the link https://biobank.cy/. Participants will not be charged for the tests.