COVID-19 Pandemic Prof. Khitam Muhsen

Sero-epidemiological studies on coronavirus

Dr. Muhsen initiated seroepidemiological studies to assess the acquisition and transmission of the new coronavirus in the population, and the development and persistence of the humoral immune response to SARS-Cov-2 in COVID-19 patients and their households contacts and medical personnel. These questions are being addressed in longitudinal studies, with measurement of serum IgG antibodies against coronavirus that develop in patients and in asymptomatic persons. This includes studies in households of COVID-19 patients and a multicenter study among medical personnel. The novel aspects of these studies include the longitudinal design, the inclusion of various populations and ethnic groups and capturing the first and second waves of COVID19 epidemic in Israel. The expected results will assist in shaping preventive measures, and the assessment of their effectiveness.

Prof. Muhsen is at the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health. Trained as a nurse, she then obtained her PhD in epidemiology at Tel Aviv University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, US. Prof. Muhsen's main research interest is in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, enteric diseases and vaccines. Her research has been supported by competitive awards and grants such as the Israel Science Foundation, Israel-US Binational Science Foundation, Ministry of Health, Israel National Institute for Health Policy and Health Services Research, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Understanding the natural immunity to SARS-Cov-2 is important for vaccine development.