ABSTRACT
Purpose: Identifying asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 carriage is one of the crucial factors in controlling the COVID 19 pandemic. The relationship between the asymptomatic viral carriage and the rate of seroconversion needs better understanding. The present study was conducted to identify the asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and seropositivity in high-risk contacts in the southern district of Delhi, India. Methods: Following the screening of 6961 subjects, a total of 407 asymptomatic high-risk subjects were selected. Demographic data, socioeconomic status, and history of COVID-19 related symptoms in the last 4 months were recorded. Blood samples and Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs were collected for the detection of SARSCOV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies. Results: 55 asymptomatic high-risk subjects (13.5%) tested positive for SARS-COV-2 infection and among them, 70.9% remained asymptomatic throughout their course of infection. The seropositivity among the subjects was 28.9% (n ¼ 118) and was found significantly higher among lower-middle socioeconomic strata (p ¼ 0.01). The antibody levels were significantly higher (p ¼ 0.033) in individuals with a previous history of COVID-19 like symptoms as compared to the subjects, who had no such history. Asymptomatic healthcare workers showed a significantly increased rate of SARS-COV-2 infection (p ¼ 0.004) and seropositivity (p ¼ 0.005) as compared to the non-healthcare workers. Subjects, who were exposed to infection at their workplace (non-hospital setting) had the least RT-PCR positivity rate (p ¼ 0.03). Conclusions: A large proportion of SARS-COV-2 infection remains completely asymptomatic. The rate of asymptomatic carriage and seropositivity is significantly higher in healthcare workers as compared to the general population. The level of SARS-COV-2 antibodies is directly related to the appearance of symptoms. These observations may contribute to redefining COVID 19 screening, infection control, and professional health practice strategies.
ABSTRACT
An imbalance between oxidant and antioxidants is thought to precede the development of renal lesions. The aim of present study is to determine the relationship between oxidative markers and severity of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Atotal of 100 T2DM patients (50 males and 50 females) participated in this study. They were screened for microalbuminuria along with oxidative status in patients. Microalbuminuria was detected by measuring the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine samples. Patients were divided into two groups; normoalbuminuria (n=36) and microalbuminuria (n=64) as per the ACR levels. No difference in the groups was observed in terms of age, sex, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure. The level of oxidative stress was significantly higher in microalbuminuria group of T2DM patients. A significant correlation was observed between ACR and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels. We conclude that oxidative stress is one of the important mediators of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).