European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: SARS CoV-2 infection has become a major public health concern. India started Covid-19 vaccination from January 16, 2021, after the approval of two candidate vaccines namely COVISHIELD ™ and COVAXIN ™. The present study was conducted to see the neutralizing antibody response to trimeric S protein of SARS CoV-2 in health care workers (HCWs) with 2 doses of COVISHIELD vaccination in a tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 156 healthy adult health care workers in a tertiary care centre, vaccinated during January-March 2021. They were divided into two groups, the first group comprised of individuals who were previously RT-PCR positive (n=36) for SARS CoV-2, and second group comprised of those who were RT-PCR negative (n=120). Blood samples were collected from all participants, the first sample on the day of vaccination, second sample after 4 weeks of vaccination, and third after 8 weeks of vaccination to measure the IgG antibodies against the SARS CoV-2 ‘S’ protein using a chemiluminescent quantitative immunoassay.
Results: The spike protein-specific IgG antibody titre was demonstrated reactive cut-off in 98.3% of the participants after 2 doses of vaccine. The median antibody titre declined from 710.5 (IQR, 338.5-1577.5) to 266 (IQR, 116-557.75) in RT-PCR positive HCWs after 8 weeks of vaccination whereas it increased from 45.1 (IQR, 31.475-76.575) to 83.4 (IQR, 52.075-104) in RT-PCR negative HCWs.
Conclusion: We could demonstrate the development of an adequate spike protein-specific IgG titre against SARS CoV-2 following vaccination with 2 doses of COVISHIELD in HCWs.

In 2002 COPD was the fifth leading cause of death. Total deaths from COPD are projected to
increase by more than 30% in the next 10 years unless urgent action is taken to reduce the
underlying risk factors, especially tobacco use. Estimates show that COPD becomes in 2030
the third leading cause of death worldwide. Sputum cultureand sensitivity was done
collecting sputum in sterile containers and were incubated on sheep blood agar, chocolate
agar and Mac conkey agar. IgG antibodies against viruses and atypical organisms is done by
indirect immunofluorescent assay(IFA) kit.Sensitivityis 94.6% to 100%and specificity is 90%
to 100%based on micro-organism.Most of them have smoking history with 82% of Exsmokers
and 6% of smokers.Only 12% were non-smokers. Renal failure was seen in 42% of
patients. Chest x-ray showed opacities in only 24% of patients.