Important antibody & sero-surveillance studies
An antibody study and a sero- surveillance study have been initiated by the Centre for Dengue Research.
Explaining the backdrop, Director of Operations and Clinical Services, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara says that 95% of the
4,000 diagnostic RT-PCR tests required by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) were carried out by them, starting with the first case of the Bandaranayake Mawatha cluster.
“We responded promptly and gave the reports within 6-8 hours, enabling the CMC to trace and quarantine all close contacts, thus effectively controlling the infections and stopping their spread in Colombo city,” he said, paying tribute to Regional Epidemiologist Dr. Dinuka Guruge who was a “pillar of strength” in sending good samples, well-labelled and transported in keeping with all the guidelines.
Now Dr. Jeewandara and his team have undertaken a study on the development of antibodies in blood samples being sent by the CMC.
This study on around 2,000 samples of close contacts would cover the quality and quantity of antibodies. Such data would be good in deciding on a suitable vaccine when one is developed and be helpful when making clinical decisions.
“We would also be able to find out whether antibody detection is linked to the person having immunity against the virus thereafter. Even though ideally it should, since this is a new virus it has not been established so far,” said Dr. Jeewandara, adding that the unit’s RT-PCR testing accuracy would also be confirmed if what they have identified as ‘positive’ brings forth an antibody positive result.
Sero- surveillance on navy cluster The sero- surveillance study would cover all personnel who have been confirmed as having COVID-19 till the period ending May 30 in the navy cluster.
This five-million-rupee study launched on June 1, is funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) under its ‘Unity Studies’ for sero- surveillance in an outbreak among a specific group.The aim is to understand ‘unknowns’ such as transmission pattern, severity, clinical features and risk factors for infection.
Technical support including test kits are being provided under the collaboration with WHO Headquarters and Regional and Local Offices.
“We are working closely with WHO’s National Professional Officer for NonCommunicable Diseases & Health Systems here, Dr. Nalika Gunawardena,” added Dr. Jeewandara.