The most common scientific terms used in research that relates to COVID-19. This glossary will help you understand materials that describe the biology of Coronavirus and the spread of COVID-19. It can assist in the reading of research papers and help you understand language used in drug and vaccine development. It also has a comprehensive list of international and UK organisations involved in public health, their institutional acronyms and descriptions of their work.
This glossary explains common scientific terms used in research that relates to COVID-19. In it you will find:
Proteins found on the surface of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Antigens are unique to each pathogen. The body recognises an antigen on the SARS-CoV-2 virus as foreign and this stimulates an immune response.
Occurs when small changes in the pathogen’s genetic material accumulate, so that its antigens become slightly different from their original version. It is a common phenomenon in RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
When a virus is present in the body without causing any harm to the person infected, who is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic.
A family of viruses that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in people.
Coronavirus disease first recognised in 2019. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information.
Disease constantly affecting a population in a certain geographical area. For example, malaria is endemic in some parts of Africa.
Part of the genetic material of an organism that generally codes for the production of a specific protein.
Messenger RNA, the ‘ready-to-read’ instructions to produce proteins.
A term used to describe how an organism’s genetic material can change. Viral mutations are very common.
Infectious organisms (such as viruses, bacteria or parasites) that can produce a disease. SARS-CoV-2 is a pathogen.
When a virus makes several copies of itself.
Organism or environment where a virus typically lives and reproduces.
Ribonucleic acid. A molecule with some similarities to DNA. Its main role is in decoding genetic material to make proteins. In some viruses, RNA carries the genetic code instead of DNA. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus. There are different types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA) and self-amplifying RNA.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The release of virus from an infected individual with the risk that it is transmitted to others.
This is a club-shaped structural feature found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is the part of the virus that attaches to human cells so the virus can enter and infect them. This protein is a therapeutic target for antivirals; drugs that can interfere in the interaction between the spike protein and the human cells could stop the virus from entering cells and replicating. The spike protein is also central to some COVID-19 vaccines in development. It is an antigen recognised by the body and stimulates an immune response, including the production of antibodies that can neutralise the virus.
Phenomenon occurring when a vaccine targeting a virus drives the emergence of vaccine escape mutants.
Variants of a virus that evolve to avoid the immune response triggered by a vaccine.
As a virus replicates, it can accumulate mutations. A version of the virus with these mutations is called a ‘variant’. Emergence of variants is a natural phenomenon. Most mutations have very little impact on the virus’s properties, others facilitate transmission or infection of other species. See also antigenic drift.
The scientific and medical discipline concerned with understanding the biology of viruses and viral diseases, their treatment and prevention. Virologists study common infections such as influenza and chickenpox as well as new and emerging viruses that cause Ebola, Zika and COVID-19.
Ability of a pathogen to cause damage in the organisms it infects.
Quantity of virus carried by an infected individual.
Diseases caused by pathogens that originally spread from animals to humans. COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease.
This is often used to describe both accuracy and reliability of a test. For COVID-19 this would mean how good a test is at confirming the presence or absence of an active or previous COVID-19 infection. No diagnostic test or antibody test is 100% accurate.
Very small respiratory droplets that can move through the air. They are involved in the transmission of some viruses.
Transmission occurring through very small virus-containing respiratory droplets produced by an infected individual. These can remain suspended in the air for hours and disperse further than 2 metres from the person producing them.
Detects antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus from a current or previous infection.
Detects viral material indicating a current infection. Tests for COVID-19 detect whether viral antigens found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 are present in a sample.
Having an infection but not showing any symptoms.
The proportion of people with symptoms that die.
Identifying the source and contacts linked to a confirmed case of an infectious disease. Contacts can be classified as high risk, low risk or no risk and given advice on what to do. This approach is used as a public health measure to contain the spread of an infection. Forwards contact tracing refers to finding the people that the person who tested positive could have passed the virus to. Backwards contact tracing refers to finding the individual who gave the virus to the person who subsequently tested positive.
A test that can confirm if someone has an active SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The time it takes for the number of infections to double.
Transmission occurring through large virus-containing respiratory droplets that are deposited close to an infected individual.
The study of what is causing a certain health outcome (diseases, environmental exposures, injuries), the distribution of diseases in different groups in the population, what causes them and changes over time. Knowledge from epidemiological research is used to design measures to control infectious disease.
Scientist studying epidemiology.
Sometimes called excess deaths, this is the number of additional deaths in a time period that is a higher than would usually be expected. For example, if there were normally 500 deaths in 1 week, but 750 were reported, this would equal 250 excess deaths.
An incorrect result. For example, when someone with a SARS-CoV-2 infection tests negative.
An incorrect result. For example, when someone who does not have a SARS-CoV-2 infection tests positive.
To reduce the peak rate of people being infected with the virus. ‘Curve’ refers to the number of new cases in a certain window of time. Reducing the peak will ensure that healthcare services are not overwhelmed.
Figure indicating how quickly the number infections changes on a daily basis.
Documentation that indicates an individual’s immune status. For COVID-19 this could be based on whether someone has been immunised or has antibodies because of a previous infection. There is insufficient evidence about the effectiveness of immunity passports. This is because having SARS-CoV-2 antibodies does not necessarily mean that someone is protected against a second infection. The duration of immunity following vaccination is also unclear.
The number of new cases of a disease in a population during a particular time period. Calculating incidence rates can indicate how quickly an infectious disease is occurring in a population.
The time between being infected and showing symptoms. For COVID-19 this is about 5 days on average.
The proportion of infected people that die.
The patient in an outbreak of a disease who is first identified by health authorities.
A scientific technique to detect and increase the amount of viral genetic material. Equipment using LAMP technology can be sited near to the person being tested and can give results in minutes instead of having to send samples for laboratory processing.
A type of molecular test to detect an active infection. The tests contain antibodies that bind to proteins (antigens) on the surface of the virus if it is present in a sample. A positive result is seen as a dark band or a fluorescent glow on the test kit, usually within minutes.
A laboratory technique to identify specific molecules (such as viral proteins) in samples.
Using tests in a large sample of asymptomatic people to detect those who are currently infected.
A test that detects viral genetic material through PCR or newer laboratory techniques.
A term used to describe illness, injury or disability. Comorbidity or multimorbidity are sometimes used and refer to when someone has more than one condition at the same time.
A term that means death. Mortality rates are an expression of the number of deaths for a given cause divided by the whole population.
Non-drug measures to limit the transmission of an infectious disease. These can be measures at the individual level such as physical distancing, the use of face masks and coverings, and improved hygiene measures. They can also be measures to constrain activities, such as the closures of various premises including sporting venues, pubs or shops.
A specialised laboratory method used to increase the amount of DNA or RNA in a sample so there is enough to test it. PCR tests are used to detect RNA in samples from people to see if the samples contain SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A diagnostic test performed at or near to the person by a trained operator (like a urine dipstick to check for urinary tract infections).
An approach to testing samples from a group of people using one test.
A measurement that expresses the proportion of people who have a disease at or during a given time period. Prevalence rates for disease are calculated by dividing the number of cases by the total number of people in the sample. They can be expressed as percentages or as cases per 100,000 people. It is often used alongside incidence, but they mean different things. While incidence counts only new cases in a given time period, prevalence counts both existing and new cases.
The person who brings an infectious disease into a group of people, such as a country, city or workplace.
A measure of how a disease spreads. The R number is the average number of people that one infected person will pass the virus onto. If R is more than 1 then an infection will spread in a population. Without any measures, the R for SARS-CoV-2 is 3.
While this refers to tests that can give a result in minutes rather than hours, the test may still require specialised equipment and/or trained operators.
A test that uses a saliva sample.
Term used to describe the failure of a PCR test targeting the SARS-CoV-2 gene of the spike protein. This phenomenon allowed the identification of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK.
Describes when a person takes their own sample that is then sent elsewhere for processing and interpretation of results.
How well a test reports a positive result for people who have COVID-19.
A scientific technique to ‘read’ the genetic code of organisms. Both DNA and RNA can be sequenced.
The time between symptoms occurring in one person to symptoms appearing in the person they infect.
How well a test reports a negative result for people who do not have COVID-19.
Infected person who is highly contagious.
A type of self-sampling that uses a technique to take samples from the nose and throat for testing.
The ability of a pathogen, like a virus, to spread from one person to another. See transmission.
Process by which a pathogen, like a virus, spreads from one infected person to another.
Documentation confirming that an individual has received a vaccine against COVID-19. See immunity passport
Phase 1: a small group of healthy people (<100) is given the vaccine to make sure there are no safety concerns, to see how well it stimulates an immune response and to work out an effective dose.
Phase 2: the vaccine is tested in a larger group (several hundred people) to see whether the vaccine works consistently, to assess the immune response and to look for side effects.
Phase 3: the vaccine is studied on a much larger scale (several thousand people) under natural disease conditions. This produces enough data to identify rare side effects and to evaluate how well the vaccine works in the real world; does it generate enough immunity to prevent and reduce disease?
Phase 4: after licensing, research continues to monitor any adverse effects and to determine long-term effectiveness. This activity is called pharmacovigilance.
When discussing a drug such as a treatment for COVID-19 or a COVID-19 vaccine, this refers to how well the drug achieves the intended effect when it is used in real world settings. For example, while a therapeutic may reduce 90% of the disease (see efficacy) in a research study involving healthy young people under strict research conditions, this may not be achieved when it is used in a wider population of people with different characteristics, such as older people or those with underlying health conditions.
The extent to which a drug works as intended when it is tested in ideal circumstances such as in controlled research study. For example, a COVID-19 vaccine may have 90% efficacy at preventing the disease. This means that cases of the disease were reduced by 90% in vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated people in the study.
Study where a pathogen is carefully given in controlled settings to healthy volunteers, who are therefore ‘challenged’ by it. These studies aim to better understand the infection process and find how to prevent and treat it.
A substance or treatment that should have no clinical effect. This is given to control groups so that the effects of an intervention can be distinguished from improvements that occur just from the placebo effect.
An experiment where participants are randomly placed into a control group or an intervention group. Cluster randomised controlled trials involve random assignment to the control or intervention at a group level (such as assigning whole schools, hospitals or local councils). They are considered a particularly robust study type as the randomisation reduces the likelihood of bias from extraneous variables. As experiments, they can demonstrate causation.
Periodical publication of new research in a specific academic field. Studies published in academic journals have all passed peer review.
Final draft of a research study that is submitted to peer review before publication.
Extensive ‘quality control’ system that manuscripts need to pass before being published in academic journals. During this process, experts assess quality and validity of the study’s design, methods, analysis, and conclusions. Often reviewers ask the authors of the study for more data, analysis, or explanations. This process can take up to a year in normal circumstances.
A research study that has been made publicly accessible before completion of the peer-review process.
A statistic that predicts the probability of an individual experiencing a particular event (such as developing a certain medical condition). See absolute risk in the research glossary.
Odds ratio that controls for other factors (such as age) that may have a role in a certain event happening in certain groups.
Compares the probability of an event happening in one group with the probability of it happening in another group. An odds ratio bigger larger than 1 means that the event is more likely in the first group rather than the second.
A statistics that compares two absolute risks to give an indication of how much a selected factor increases or decreases the risk. See relative risk in the research glossary.
This term is used to describe a range of reactions to drugs, including vaccines. They are sometimes called adverse drug reactions. Different drugs can produce varied effects. Side effects are those which can be linked to the vaccine. People can have reactions either as a direct result of the drug itself or because the individual has an underlying medical condition. Sometimes people may experience something when they take a drug, but which is completely unrelated. Extensive monitoring of drug safety can determine which reactions are linked to a drug from those that are not. Side effects from vaccines vary from predictable mild reactions such as a short-lived fever to more serious and rare outcomes such as allergic reaction.
Therapies based on antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 that can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.
Drugs used to prevent or treat viral infections. Some antivirals work by stopping the virus from entering cells while others inhibit stages of the viral life cycle, such as stopping the virus from replicating. Several antiviral drugs to treat COVID-19 are being evaluated but none has shown any significant clinical benefits so far in trials.
A treatment that uses antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 taken from patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The theory is that the donated antibodies in the plasma can neutralise the virus while the patient’s own immune system mounts a response to the infection.
A steroid drug used to treat a range of inflammatory and allergic disorders. In hospitalised COVID-19 patients, it reduces deaths of ventilated patients by 35% and reduces deaths of patients requiring oxygen by 20%.
This is the minimum standard that drug manufacturers must meet in the production process. This is to ensure that drugs are of consistent high quality across batches and that they meet the requirements specified by regulators in a drug’s marketing authorisation.
Also known as a marketing authorisation. Manufacturers must follow special procedures in order to sell a drug, such as a vaccine, in the UK and the EU. This is complex, with different processes depending on the medicine.
Biological therapies synthesised in a laboratory. They mimic natural antibodies by recognising a specific target protein on a cell’s surfaces and then flagging these cells for killing, or by binding directly to the virus and stopping the virus from attaching to a human cell. Antibodies can be designed by using genetic sequences of interest from the virus. The main target of SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies is the spike protein on the surface of the virus, to block viral entry into cells.
Detecting, collecting and monitoring data about adverse events that may be linked to a medicine (such as a new drug or vaccine) so that appropriate action can be taken.
Positioning hospitalised COVID-19 patients on their stomachs. Research suggests that this benefits them because it improves oxygenation in the body.
An experimental anti-viral drug. Research to date shows that it can reduce the time to recover for some patients.
Anti-inflammatory drug used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Research to date shows that it can reduce the risk of death in severe COVID-19 cases.
Anti-inflammatory drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Research to date shows that it can reduce the risk of death in severe COVID-19 cases.
Ingredient of a vaccine that stimulates the immune system.
Immune response developed naturally by the body following the first encounter with a new pathogen. After a certain time, the body will start to produce antibodies able to specifically recognise the new pathogen.
Vaccines where a harmless virus has been modified to contain the genetic information of a pathogen’s protein (antigen). Following vaccination, the body will produce this protein and develop an immune response against it. This strategy is used, for example, in the University of Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine, which includes the genetic information of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
An ingredient in a vaccine that enhances the immune system response.
A vaccine containing adjuvants.
Drugs that prevent the growth of bacteria.
A ‘tag’ that binds specifically to part of a pathogen so that it can be recognised by the immune system. It is part of the ‘adaptive’ immune system and produced by B cells. Some antibodies are binding antibodies (they bind to the virus and activate parts of the immune system to enhance the body’s response) and some are neutralising antibodies (they are able to bind and stop the virus). There are different types of antibodies. Two important ones are:
Type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. Naïve B cells are immature B cells not yet exposed to a pathogen. Once exposed, they can become memory B cells, able to secrete antibodies against that specific pathogen.
Extra dose of vaccine after the ‘prime dose’. It is used to boost the immune response against a pathogen.
Refers to the supply chain of some drugs and vaccines, which need to be in temperature-controlled environments, from production to delivery.
Chemicals signalling the presence of a pathogen in the body. They are part of the innate immune system and cause inflammation.
Vaccines reducing the severity of diseases. In the case of COVID-19 for example, they can lead to fewer deaths following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Vaccines where DNA instructions to build a pathogen’s protein are directly injected into the recipient. The US-based Inovio candidate or the Korean Genexine candidate use this strategy.
See vaccine interval.
Complete and permanent elimination of a disease around the world without the ongoing need for interventions (such as vaccines). So far, smallpox is the only human disease that has been eradicated.
Process of filling vials with the vaccine and completing packaging for distribution.
When enough individuals in a population are immune to an infection so that those who are not immune are protected as well. It is also known as ‘population immunity’.
Response developed by the body when infected by a pathogen.
When individuals become protected from a disease, either following natural infection or vaccination.
Ability to defend the body from a pathogen’s infection.
Vaccines where a pathogen has been killed and therefore cannot multiply in the human body. The Valneva vaccine candidate uses this strategy.
Virus that has been killed and therefore cannot multiply in the human body.
Vaccines using a weakened version of the pathogen that causes the disease. When injected, they resemble the natural infection and for this reason are able to trigger a strong immune response.
Vaccine containing mRNA to produce a pathogen’s antigen, that can be directly produced by the human body. This strategy is used in the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which both use mRNA instructions to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Immunity that is acquired when a person becomes infected by a pathogen and develops an immune response against it (see Active immune response and immune response).
Antibodies able to bind and stop the virus.
When a person (who is not able to produce antibodies against a pathogen) receives them externally and become protected from the pathogen. This can be ‘maternal’, when antibodies are passed from the mother to the child (for example in breast milk) or ‘artificial’, when antibodies are administered via an injection (such as in the case of antibody therapy). It is not a long-lasting immunity.
Ingredients in a vaccine to prevent contamination during distribution (such as when a multi-dose vial is opened).
First dose of the vaccine, to trigger the initial immune response.
Groups of people identified by JCVI who are given the vaccine before it is available for the general population.
Contain a protein found on the surface of a pathogen that is used to trigger the immune response. This strategy is used by the GSK / Sanofi Pasteur candidate.
RNA able to create several copies of themselves before being read to make proteins. The Imperial College vaccine candidate uses this technology.
ingredients to extend the extend the shelf life of a vaccine.
Vaccine able to stop the pathogen from replicating in the body, so that the infected person cannot transmit it to others.
Initial vaccine batches used to check the production process.
Type of white blood cell that kills infected cells in the body.
Protecting individuals from a disease by treating them with a vaccine.
The most effective public health intervention to protect people against infectious diseases. Vaccines train the immune system to recognise a pathogen and to defend the body from it at the next encounter.
New vaccine under development.
Percentage of the population who has received a vaccine.
Time between the prime dose and the booster dose of a vaccine. Also known as dosing interval.
Accepting a vaccine when it is offered by public health authorities.
Vaccines where a virus has been modified to contain the genetic information of a pathogen’s protein. There are two kinds of viral vectors:
Protein-based structures resembling the shape of a virus without containing any genetic material. They can be used as active component in vaccines.
Vaccines using an entire inactivated virus to trigger an immune response.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The US’s federal health protection agency.
European Medicines Agency. A European agency that facilitates development and access to medicines, and evaluates new medicines so that they can be approved for use in people.
Food and Drug Administration. A US agency that regulates the safety, effectiveness and quality of medicines. It has a wider role in public health such as food safety and regulating tobacco products.
World Health Organization. A UN agency focused on directing and coordinating international health.
Chief Scientific Adviser. Most senior government adviser providing government departments with scientific advice. Most government departments have one. There are also CSAs for each of the devolved administration. The list is available here.
Chief Medical Officer. A qualified medical practitioner who is the most senior government adviser on health matters.
Commission on Human Medicines. An advisory non-departmental public body that advises ministers on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicinal products.
Department for Health and Social Care. A ministerial government department with overall responsibility for health and care services. It sets strategy, funds and oversees the health and care system in England, with equivalent counterparts in the devolved nations.
Government Chief Scientific Adviser. Chief Scientific Adviser providing scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet and coordinating the Chief Scientific Adviser network.
Joint Biosecurity Centre. Established in May 2020. It provides evidence-based analysis to inform local and national decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks. It will become part of the NIHP once this is set up.
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. A scientific advisory committee that advises the UK health departments on immunisation.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. An executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. It regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components used in transfusions in the UK. It decides whether to approve new medicines such as vaccines.
New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group. A scientific committee that advises the Government on the threat posed by new and emerging respiratory viruses. Advice from NERVTAG has been used by SAGE.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. An executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its role is to improve patient outcomes by producing national guidance and advice, and quality standards that set out what high quality and cost-effective care should look like.
National Institute for Health Protection. A new organisation responsible for public health protection. It will replace Public Health England and bring in other functions including the Joint Biosecurity Centre and NHS Test and Trace. It is expected to be operational in Spring 2021.
Public Health England. An executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, it is responsible for all aspects of public health from reducing health inequalities to responding to public health emergencies.
Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. Provides scientific and technical advice to the UK Government during emergencies.
Independent Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours. A scientific committee that provides advice about behavioural science. In the context of COVID-19 the committee has provide advice about how people can be helped to adhere to interventions that have been recommended. It provides reports to SAGE.
Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling. A scientific committee that provides advice on scientific matters relating to the UK’s response to infectious disease. Its advice is based on expertise on epidemiology and modelling. It reports to SAGE.
Vaccine Taskforce. The steering group focusing on the development and production of a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines have been deployed in the UK since December 2020. This article examines the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on transmission of the virus. It also considers the potential implications of vaccine-induced protection for easing lockdown restrictions and debate about potential introduction of immunity certification or a vaccine passport scheme.
How does COVID-19 affect children? Will children be vaccinated against the disease? This article summarises the latest findings from research and highlights where more research can explore some of the remaining uncertainties.
On December 31, 2020 the four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) published a statement announcing changes to the dosing schedule for the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech and University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines. It stated that the interval between the first and second dose should be extended from 3–4 weeks to up to 12 weeks. This rapid response examines the evidence behind this decision.
