Shirley Qiu, University of Ottawa

Shirley Qiu1, Corey Arnold1, Danielle Dewar-Darch1, Justino Hernandez Soto1, Randelle Ashley1, Joseph Salvatore1, Daniel Chong1, Justin Ali1, Amparo Duran Kishi1,2, Marc-André Langlois1,2 1. Serology and Diagnostics High Throughput Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa 2. Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa

Fighting & Responding

The COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent risk of avian influenza spillover underscore the need for sustained, pre-emptive research capacity and infrastructure that can rapidly process and analyze population-level data to inform public health decision-making, therapeutic development, and preparedness for emerging pathogens. Established in 2021, the Serology and Diagnostics High-Throughput Facility (SD-HTF) was purpose-built to deliver large-cohort serology and molecular diagnostics for Canadian researchers and public health partners. SD-HTF operates within a secure CL2 environment and is supported by automated liquid-handling platforms, complemented by molecular diagnostic infrastructure (qPCR/ddPCR). These systems enable standardized, high-throughput workflows for longitudinal, population-scale studies and clinical trials. During the COVID-19 response, SD-HTF carried out over 2M SARS-CoV-2 ELISA and neutralization assays, enabling quantification of infection- and vaccine-induced immunity across diverse cohorts. Furthering this foundation, SD-HTF is expanding its portfolio to include multiplex qPCR/ddPCR, serology, and nanopore viral sequencing for additional viral pathogens, including RSV, influenza A, EBV, CMV, measles, and HIV. These capabilities support a sentinel surveillance program spanning six cohorts: people living with HIV, long-term care residents, healthcare workers, pediatric participants, immunocompromised individuals, and members of the general population. Blood and saliva collected quarterly over two years are being analyzed for current and prior exposure to a panel of viral pathogens and to profile pathogen-specific antibody responses. Seroprevalence and infection metrics will be rapidly returned to clinical and public health knowledge users, providing comprehensive readouts of viral infection dynamics and population immunity, particularly in vulnerable groups, and strengthening Canada's preparedness for seasonal epidemics and emerging threats.