Coronavirus

Since March 23, 2020, the Biology Centre, CAS, was examining samples for the presence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Researchers carried out about 100 tests a day. These were diagnostic tests for the direct detection of coronavirus, which make it possible to report the disease before the outbreak of COVID-19. Clinical analysis were processed under strict laboratory conditions with a high level of BSL-3 biological safety at the Institute of Parasitology. On May 11, 2020, the Biology Centre CAS opened a new laboratory adapted for testing clinical samples for coronavirus. The testing capacity of the Biology Centre then increased to 150 tests per day. If necessary, the total capacity of the Biology centre can be extended up to 200 samples per day.

In addition, the Biology Centre focuses on the research of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and develops a methodology for analyzing the quality of antibodies in the blood of treated patients. Virologists are also involved in several other projects concerning options for more effective diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19.

Extraordinary testing of samples for the new type of the coronavirus performed by the academic institutes and universities was terminated on June 15, 2020.

When did the first COVID-19 case arise? Novel analysis suggests much earlier, more rapid spread than confirmed cases imply25. 6. 2021

Using methods from conservation science, a new analysis suggests that the first case of COVID-19 arose between early October and mid-November, 2019 in China, with the most likely date of origin...

We have increased our testing capacity by 50 percent11. 5. 2020

On Monday, May 11th, the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences opened a new laboratory adapted for testing clinical samples for coronavirus. The current testing capacity of the Biology...

How we test samples for coronavirus24. 4. 2020

Radek Šíma, head of coronavirus diagnostics at the Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, describes how samples are tested at the Biology Center CAS.

Cured from coronavirus, ready to help15. 4. 2020

Molecular parasitologist Zdeněk Paris successfully cured from Covid-19. He returns to work to help colleagues with testing the clinical samples on this disease.