ABSTRACT
Background &Objective : Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) and depression act synergistically that magnify the burden of disease. The present study aims to understand the differences in depression scale using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) over the time during the COVID-19 pandemic which may cause mental and psychological changes in the patients with MDRTB. Method: A total of 155 treatment naive adults and adolescents MDRTB are enrolled in an ongoing cohort. Each participant completes PHQ-9 to assess depression at baseline, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 18, 24 months of treatment and post treatment 6 and 12 months. Differences in the PHQ9 scores for visits before COVID-19, during 1st lockdown, in unlock phase and 2nd lockdown were assessed by Chi-squared test and t-test and p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 155 participants with median age of 27 years' 102 (65.8%) were females A significant difference was seen in the overall PHQ-9 scores across each time period (p<0.001). Also, significant changes were seen in overall PHQ-9 scores before COVID-19 and 1st lockdown (p<0.001), during unlock phase, 2nd lockdown (p<0.001) and without lockdown and during 1st and 2nd lockdowns (p<0.001). During 1st lockdown and unlock phase (p=0.165), there were no significant differences seen in the PHQ-9 scores. Conclusion: In this ongoing study, changes in the overall depression scale were significantly associated with COVID-19 lockdown, during unlock phase and 2nd lockdown phase. PHQ-9 screening can be useful for patients who may benefit from additional support and counselling during the treatment during COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background &Objective : SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is causing high morbidity and mortality burden worldwide with unprecedented strain on health care systems. Data on the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody is expanding with growing research. The initial data on antibodies was available for nucleocapsid target proteins however with advancing research and development of vaccines against the Spike RBD domain of the virus, antibody assays are being focussed to the Spike RBD proteins. The current study aims to understand the prevalence of Anti-Spike SARS cov2 antibodies. Method: A commercially available assay targeting the SPIKE RBD domain of the virus using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a total of 260 individuals. Results: A total of 260 individuals were screened which included 147 males and 113 females with a mean age of 51+16 years. A positive seroprevalence was observed in 85.3% (222/260) individuals. Vaccination details were available for 225 individuals wherein 194 were seropositive. Around 12% did not show presence of antibodies (26/211) even after 21 days of vaccination. A few non-vaccinated individuals were seropositive due to prior history of Covid infection. However, 7 individuals with past history of Covid infection and 2 post vaccination were negative for antibodies. Conclusion: Serological testing plays a vital role in understanding and ultimately combating viral outbreaks and can help identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARSCoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. A high prevalence of positive spike antibodies is observed in most individuals.