Photo Source: Video Grab-Twitter-IS Chahal
86.64% Mumbaikars have COVID Antibodies, finds 5th Sero-Survey
Antibodies were found in 90.26% of people who were fully or partially vaccinated.
Antibodies found in 79.86% of unvaccinated citizens.
Mumbai, September 17, 2021: Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (M.C.G.M.) has conducted 3 Sero Surveillance Studies for COVID-19 and 1 Sero-surveillance study only for Paediatric population previously.
The possible third wave of COVID-19 is anticipated. Taking this into consideration, the Municipal Commissioner Shri I. S. Chahal and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Shri Suresh Kakani had directed to conduct sero-survey again.
As per the directions, the Sero-Surveillance-5 has been conducted between 12.8.20201 to 8.9.2021 by the Public Health Department and LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital with the support from A.T.E. Chandra Foundation and IDFC Institute.
Methodology & Rationale :
Results of the previous three Sero-surveys conducted by M.C.G.M concluded that the recent trends in Sero-positivity corresponded with the COVID-19 cases in the second
wave. The fifth Sero-survey could be instrumental in identifying trends of probable upcoming third wave and exposure of the population to the virus.
The study was cross-sectional in nature and included participants above 18 years of age, from all 24 wards of the city of Greater Mumbai. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling and those visiting Municipal Dispensaries and General Practitioners' Clinics in slum and non-slum areas respectively. Participants were recruited with informed consent. Data collection was done by the means of a mobile software application.
Total samples collected and tested was 8,674. Anti-SARS-CoV2 lg G antibodies was detected using an ELISA based assay.
Key Findings of the Study:
1. Overall Sero-prevalence in the city of Greater Mumbai is 86.64%. The study estimates around 87.02 % prevalence in slums and 86.22 % prevalence in non slums in the 24 wards.
2. Sero-prevalence among males is 85.07% and sero-prevalence among females is 88.29% which is higher as compared to males.
3. Almost 65% of the study subjects received COVID-19 vaccine and 35% did not receive any vaccine.
4. Sero-prevalence amongst partially and fully vaccinated participants is 90.26%. 5. Sero-prevalence amongst those who have not taken COVID-19 vaccine is 79.86%. 6. Out of total samples, 20% were health care workers. Sero-prevalence in health care workers is 87.14%.
7. The age-wise sero-prevalence varies from 80% to 91% among the study subjects.
Interpretation:
A. Overall Sero-prevalence in slum and non-slum areas in the city of Greater Mumbai is much higher as compared to the last sero-survey.
B. There is no statistically significant difference in sero-prevalence of Mumbai City and Suburbs.
C. In the 5th sero-survey, sero-prevalence in slum population is 87.02% and non-slum population is 86.22% which is a meagre difference.
D. There is marginal difference in the gender-wise sero-prevalence with females showing 88.29% sero-prevalence as compared to males i.e., 85.07%.
E. Sero-prevalence was significantly higher in study subjects who received either first or both doses of COVID-19 vaccine as compared to their unvaccinated counterparts.
Watch: Secret of Success to overcome COVID pandemic in Mumbai - tells IAS Chahal || Full Interview
Recommendations:
A. The overall sero-positivity to the extent of 86% is based on qualitative test results and does not indicate protective levels of IgG antibodies. It is therefore recommended to continue to strictly follow the ‘COVID Appropriate Behaviour’ (CAB) i.e. (1) Correct use of mask; (2) Frequent hand washing with soap and water as well as sanitizer; and (3) Maintain social distancing.
B. As the sero-prevalence amongst those who are vaccinated is much higher than the unvaccinated counterparts, it is essential to strengthen the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination program.
Investigators involved in the Study:
[A] Principal Investigators:
Dr. Seema S Bansode-Gokhe, Head, Dept of Community Medicine; Dr. Sujata Baveja, Head, Dept of Microbiology, LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital; Dr. Mangala Gomare, EHO and Dr. Daksha Shah, DEHO, Public Health Department, M.C.G.M. [B] Co-Investigators:
Dr. Jayanthi Shastri, Head, Dept of Microbiology, Nair Hospital; Dr. Pallavi Shelke, Addl. Prof, Dept. of Community Medicine; Dr. Shripad Taklikar, Asst. Prof, Dept of Microbiology; Dr. Desma D’souza, Asst Prof, Dept of Microbiology; Dr. Kiran Jagtap, Asst. Prof, Dept. of Community Medicine and Dr. Kalyani Ingole, Resident Medical Officer, Dept. of Community Medicine, LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital.
A.T.E. Chandra Foundation and IDFC Institute have also supported the survey.
Exclusive: Iqbal Chahal Unplugged
Secrets of Success of Senior IAS to overcome COVID pandemic in Mumbai - Part-1
''
Iqbal Chahal Unplugged -Part Two