Predictive Markers of the Course of Covid-19 Based on Biomarker Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and Genetic Markers

This study focuses on identifying genetic and biochemical markers (biomarkers) that could help predict the course of COVID-19. The investigators aim to analyze samples taken from the nasopharynx (nose and throat), saliva, and blood of patients with acute respiratory tract infections who come to the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Respiratory Diseases at the Thomayer University Hospital. The main objectives include measuring the expression of the SAA1 gene (using quantitative RT-PCR) and conducting broader gene expression analysis (using RNA sequencing) in nasopharyngeal cells. At the same time, the investigators will examine the patients' DNA to identify rare genetic variants or common polymorphisms that may influence their immune response to the virus. The goal is to relate the values of SAA expression with clinical and radiological status and outcome of the patients. The investigators hypothesize, that SAA may predict the severity of the disease, need for hospitalizastion and outcome of the patients.