Her research considers the development of mammalian model to describe the transmission of respiratory disease and the influenza virus.[7] She is interested in the co-pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus and its role in influenza virus transmission.[8] She looks to apply her understanding of viral transmission to the development of protective strategies.[9] By analysing data from a five-year period in Toronto, Mubareka identified that the virus struggles to survive in more humid environments.[10] Several of Mubareka's publications on viral transmission were edited by American virologist Ralph S. Baric of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[11][12]
COVID-19
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mubareka worked with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to better inform the public about the disease.[13] She created a series of videos that described the biology and symptoms of COVID-19. In mid February 2020 Mubareka was awarded a research grant from the McLaughlin Centre to identify the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2.[14][15][16] Genomic data can help to better diagnose COVID-19, including how much of the virus is shed by people who are infected.[15] Mubareka established the Toronto 2019-nCoV Working Group with Allison McGeer and Robert Kozak.[15] On March 10, 2020, Mubareka participated in the convening of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada's COVID-19 Expert Panel.[17]
By mid March 2020, Mubareka and colleagues had successfully isolated SARS-CoV-2, providing researchers access to the genetic sequence for the development of new therapies and vaccines. The virus was isolated from patients at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the first hospital in Canada to treat COVID-19 patients. She succeeded in isolating the virus by getting it to reproduce in genetically engineered animal cells, then using whole genome sequencing to deduce the genome.[18][19][20][21] The isolated virus can be used to ensure tests work effectively, as well as being used to analyse the suitability of antiviral drugs.
Mubareka helped the World Health Organization to write guidelines on the clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection with an expectant diagnosis of COVID-19.[22] The guidelines include close monitoring, the provision of oxygen therapy and the determination of chronic therapies and co-infections.[22] She served as a founding member of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table upon its creation in July 2020 until its dissolution in September 2022.[23][24]