Anti SARS-CoV 2 IgG antibody response in fully vaccinated Covishield (AZD1222) and Covaxin (BBV-152) recipients: a study done in southern part of West Bengal, India.

Background and Objectives: Vaccination being the only way to reduce mortality from the dreaded COVID-19 disease, the vaccine was introduced in India as per the advice of the National Expert Group on January 16, 2021. Duration of immune response elicited by the vaccines has always been a matter of content. With new variants emerging every other day, the study was done to look for the antibody response in vaccine recipients post second dose of vaccination. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted from August 2021 to February 2022 in fully vaccinated individuals who took either Covishield (AZD1222) or Covaxin (BBV-152). Blood was collected from the individuals at 12-16 weeks post-vaccination to look for IgG antibody response against S1 spike protein of SARS-CoV2 by ELISA. Follow-up was done at 32 weeks post the second dose in individuals who had received Covishield. Results: Among 176 individuals, IgG antibody against S1 spike protein was found to be positive in 89.7% (158). Covishield recipients showed higher antibody response (99.1%) as compared to Covaxin recipients (71%). Antibody response was higher in males, individuals less than 50 years, and non-comorbid individuals. Of 38 Covishield recipients, IgG antibody response was positive in 28 (73.6%) individuals when followed up at 32 weeks post the second vaccination dose. Conclusion: The study gives us input with regard to the long-term antibody kinetics of both vaccines. The study has a follow-up plan to co-relate the antibody response to the neutralization test.

Unilateral variation in the position of internal and external carotid arteries.

During the routine dissection of the neck region of a 77 years old male cadaver in the Department of Anatomy at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, a unilateral variation in the position and course of internal and external carotid arteries was noticed on the right side of neck. The internal carotid artery was anteromedial to the external carotid artery at the site of bifurcation of the common carotid artery. Knowledge of variation in the course and relation of internal and external carotid arteries is important for surgeons to perform neck surgery and also for the radiologists to interpret carotid system imaging.

Contact headache and its management: our experience.

Headache and facial pain is very common and distressing complaint. Due to its multifactorial origin often it remains undiagnosed and inadequately treated. In this study strong relationship between nasal mucosal contact point and reason for unresponsive headache is found and various nasal surgeries are found to be quite helpful in treating these conditions.

Placental changes associated with maternal anaemia

The present study aimed to assess the morphological and histological changes of placentas associated with maternal anaemia (mothers with Hb level <11 g/dl). The study was conducted in Bankura Sammilani Medical College, West Bengal, India for a period of six months. Placentas collected from cases of maternal anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) were forty (40) and those collected from control mothers were thirty (30). All the deliveries were at full term (37-42 weeks) and in the antenatal periods were without any complications or diseases. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the placentas were done and these findings were compared. Statistical analysis was performed by using t-test for comparing the mean values of fetal weights, placental weights, placental indices and placental volumes of the maternal anaemia group with those of control group. It was observed that the mean fetal weight of pregnancy with anaemia group was less than those of the control group. The mean placental weight and mean placental volume in pregnancy with the anaemia group were more than the control group. Also, the mean placental index of the maternal anaemia group was higher than that of the control group. Light microscopy revealed increased fibrin deposition, increased syncytial knotting, more avascular villi with incomplete trophoblastic lining, stromal fibrosis, intervillous haemorrhage and cytotrophoblastic cell proliferation in placentas of anaemic mothers as compared to those of the controls. We concluded that maternal anaemia resulted into bigger, heavier placentas and smaller fetuses, whereas placental morphological changes showed signs of chronic hypoxia and placental insufficiency

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