ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic it was important to assess the antibody profile in individuals vaccinated with Covaxin (BBV152) and Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) with both 28 and 84 days gaps between two doses, those infected with SARS-CoV-2 and post-COVID-19-infected individuals vaccinated with only one dose of either of the vaccines. The present study was aimed to assess these objectives. Methods: Fifty real time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19-infected individuals, along with 90 COVID-19-naïve (BBV152 and ChAdOx1 nCov-19)–vaccinated individuals, were included in the study. Individuals who received a single dose of either vaccine with a confirmed past diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n=15) were also included. Blood samples were collected strictly between the 4th and 5th wk after development of symptoms for SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and after the first/second vaccination dose. Antibody profile assessment was done using whole-virus, spike-receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid-specific ELISA kits along with neutralizing antibody kit. Results: There was an overall 97.7 per cent seropositivity rate in vaccinated individuals, and a strong correlation (R2=0.8, P<0.001) between neutralizing and spike-RBD antibodies. Among individuals who received two standard doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, the spike antibody levels developed were of higher titre with a longer prime boost interval than in those with shorter intervals (P<0.01). Individuals vaccinated with two doses as well as only one dose post-SARS-CoV-2 infection had high neutralizing and spike-specific antibodies. Interpretation & conclusions: High neutralizing and spike-specific antibodies were developed in individuals vaccinated only with one dose of either vaccine post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. With the main priority being vaccinating majority of the population in our country, single-dose administration to such individuals would be a sensible way to make the most of the limited supplies. Furthermore, neutralizing antibody levels observed in COVID-19-naïve vaccinees imply the need for booster vaccination.
ABSTRACT
Combination therapy with three drug regimens for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection significantly suppresses the viral replication. However, this therapeutic impact is restricted by adverse drug events and response in terms of short and long term efficacy. There are multiple factors involved in different responses to antiretrovirals (ARVs) such as age, body weight, disease status, diet and heredity. Pharmacogenomics deals with individual genetic make-up and its role in drug efficacy and toxicity. In depth genetic research has provided evidence to predict the risk of developing certain toxicities for which personalized screening and surveillance protocols may be developed to prevent side effects. Here we describe the use of pharmacogenomics for optimal use of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy).
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) presents a higher residual risk of transmission by transfusion than hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While most infectious blood units are removed by screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), there is clear evidence that transmission by HBsAg-negative components occurs, in part, during the serolo g ically negative window period, but more so during the late stages of infection. To encourage voluntary blood donation should be the first step of prevention. To reduce the risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis B, test for anti-HBc immunoglobulin M may be included in routine screening of donors’ blood, as it has been proved to be an excellent indicator of occult HBV during window period. However, awareness and education of donors regarding the modes of HBV transmission, a stringent one-to-one donor screening and increasing the voluntary donor base should also be implemented to minimize the rate of transfusion-associated hepatitis B.