ABSTRACT
Background : India launched COVID-19 mass Vaccination campaign after regulatory approval of Covishield & Covaxin vaccines. However, inspite of Vaccination, cases of COVID-19 infection are being reported. Hence, this study is aimed to assess the COVID-19 infection and/or re-infection rate, including breakthrough infections, following vaccination among Health Care Workers at a Tertiary Care Dedicated COVID Hospital. This questionnaire-based survey was initiated following Institutional Ethics Committee approval. We also looked at reasons for Vaccine hesitancy and occurrence of adverse reactions following vaccination, their management and duration amongst the Healthcare Workers. Results : Of 564 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who consented to participate, only 503 filled in the questionnaire completely. Majority of the HCWs received Covishield vaccine (78.56%). The infection rate postvaccination was 8.28% (with a median of 22 days and IQR of 8-43 days). This infection rate was significantly higher in those who were not vaccinated as compared to the Vaccinated HCWs (OR = 0.10, 95 CI% = 0.05�22, p <0.0001). Breakthrough infection rate was 2.42. Although 58.39% of the participants suffered adverse reactions after vaccination, like myalgia, Fever, Headache, these were mild in nature lasting for an average of 3-4 days. The vaccine hesitancy rate at our hospital HCWs was 6.36%, the main issue being the concerns regarding safety and effectiveness of the vaccines against the COVID-19 infection. Discussion/Conclusion : The infection and Breakthrough infection rates in our study were low and severity of COVID infection post vaccination was mild, not requiring hospitalisation
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Basti (medicated enema) is a popular Ayurvedic intervention recommended for obesity. However, there are no data to show whether any physiological or biochemical changes occur following this treatment. This study was conducted to identify the immunological and metabolic changes in obese individuals after a therapeutic course of basti. Methods: Thirty two obese individuals (18 and 60 yr) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 who received a therapeutic course of 16 enemas (basti) followed by a specific diet and lifestyle regimen for a period of 32 days as their treatment for obesity, were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination, measurement of immune and metabolic markers were done before (S1), immediately after (S2) and 90 days after the completion of therapy (S3). Results: A significant reduction (p<0.001) in weight, BMI, upper arm and abdominal circumference was seen at S3, along with a decrease in serum interferon (IFN)-γ (p<0.02), interleukin (IL)-6 (p<0.02) and ferritin (P<0.05) and increase in IgM levels (p<0.02). Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies showed significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and calcium flux after Basti. All organ function tests revealed no changes. Interpretation & conclusions: Our study documents that a therapeutic course of basti modulates immune responses by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulins and functional properties of T-cells. These changes are associated with a reduction in the body weight which is maintained even after three months of treatment. the study also documents the safety of basti procedure.