SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the city of Hyderabad, India in early 2021.

Background: COVID-19 emerged as a global pandemic in 2020, spreading rapidly to most parts of the world. The proportion of infected individuals in a population can be reliably estimated via serosurveillance, making it a valuable tool for planning control measures. Our serosurvey study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the urban population of Hyderabad at the end of the first wave of infections. Methods: This cross-sectional survey, conducted in January 2021 and including males and females aged 10 years and above, used multi-stage random sampling. 9363 samples were collected from 30 wards distributed over six zones of Hyderabad, and tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen. Results: Overall seropositivity was 54.2%, ranging from 50% to 60% in most wards. Highest exposure appeared to be among those aged 30-39 and 50-59 years, with women showing greater seropositivity. Seropositivity increased with family size, with only marginal differences among people with varying levels of education. Seroprevalence was significantly lower among smokers. Only 11% of the survey subjects reported any COVID-19 symptoms, while 17% had appeared for COVID-19 testing. Conclusion: Over half the city's population was infected within a year of onset of the pandemic. However, ∼ 46% of people remained susceptible, contributing to subsequent waves of infection.

Antibacterial Properties of Fluoride Releasing Glass lonomer Cements (GICs) and Pit and Fissure Sealants on Streptococcus Mutans.

TITLE: Antibacterial properties of fluoride releasing glass Ionomer cements (GICs) and pit and fissure sealants on Streptococcus mutans. BACKGROUND: Occlusal pit and fissures are the most susceptible sites for dental caries. The clinical effectiveness of GICs and fissure sealants in preventing caries is well-documented, but there is some concern about bacteria left beneath sealants. OBJECTIVE: (1) Study the antibacterial activity of GICs and pit and fissure sealants. (2) Compare between these materials. METHODOLOGY: GICs (Fuji IX GP and Ketac molar) and pit and fissure sealants (Teethmate-F1 and Helioseal-F ). The strains was grown in the Brain Heart Infusion broth and was incubated anaerobically for 18 hours at 37°C and subcultured in MSB agar.Four wells measuring 5 mm diameter was prepared on each agar plate and the prepared materials was placed and further incubated anaerobically for 48 hours at 37°C. The zone of inhibition was measured. RESULTS: All the materials tested showed antibacterial properties to varying levels except; among pit and fissure sealants it is Teethmate-F which showed more antibacterial property. CONCLUSION: Teethmate-F1 sealant showed more antibacterial property compared to Fuji IX and Ketac molar. Helioseal-F did not show any antibacterial property.