SARS Survivor Evaluations

The purpose of this study is to understand how severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) spreads within families, if significant disease resulted, and how the body responds to SARS. The study will also explore the affects of SARS on genetics and the immune system (the body system that fights disease). Up to 1000 people residing in Beijing, China may be involved in this study. Adult survivors of SARS (numbering 200) and their family members including children age 4 and up will be asked to participate in the study. The study will recruit an additional 200 persons, who will be matched with SARs survivors of similar age, gender, health status, and housing/work location, and recruited as comparators. Blood will be taken from all volunteers and tested for the presence of SARS antibodies (proteins made by the body's immune system in response to something that can cause infection). Health and clinic/hospital visit records may be reviewed.