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Background: COVID-19 vaccines, we believe, have come to rescue us from the clutches of the dreaded severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With rapid ongoing mutations, it is difficult to predict the effectiveness of seroconversion following vaccination. This study aims to find out the proportion of people with seroconversion following first dose of Covishield vaccine. Methods: Randomly selected health-care workers were followed up for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies between 28 and 42 days after receiving their first vaccine dose. The VITROS SARS-CoV-2 IgG test (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, USA) with 100% specificity and > 90% sensitivity was used to assess seroconversion. Results: The first dose of vaccine induced seroconversion in 91.7% of beneficiaries. Nearly one-third (30.2%) of them had high antibody titers, and it showed a significant association with female gender (9.6 ± 5.5 vs. 7.6 ± 5.6) and younger age (P = 0.008). In addition, those with previous COVID infection showed a more robust immune response when compared to others (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Seroconversion rate of more than 90% offers a promising hope toward successful pandemic control. In the current scenario, the inability to attain the targeted coverage due to an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy, compounded with only lower proportion of seroconversion in elderly, faster rollout of the vaccines without any age limit, will help achieve the herd threshold more rapidly.
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BACKGROUND: Domestic squalor refers to households that are extremely cluttered, in a filthy condition, and where the accumulation of items such as personal possessions, rubbish, excrement and decomposing food creates an environment that jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of the occupant(s). In India, an estimated 258 million are migrants. They are more likely to live in squalor due to inferior socio-economic status and no permanent residence. This poses a threat to the health of the migrants and the neighbors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the squalor and morbidity pattern among the migrants of Migrant colonies in Thiruvalla using Rapid survey technique. METHODOLOGY: The state of squalor in migrant colonies was assessed by Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Methodology using the Environment Cleanliness and Clutter Scale (ECCS). The sample size for each lot/colony was '14' dwellings according to LQAS table. The details were collected from 14 inhabitants of different dwellings of the same colony. The inhabitants were selected randomly and were excluded if he belonged to the same dwelling. Fifteen colonies were randomly selected to achieve the sample size of 210 (15*14). The study was done in Tiruvalla municipality. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Only two colonies (n = 15) were squalor free. Majority of the dwellings (n = 210) were having an ECCS score between 13 and 15. Common ailments affecting migrants include Common cold, Skin disorders, and dental caries and gastritis. Squalor was found in most of the migrant colonies as they are living in inhuman conditions.
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INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The established routes of transmission are from mother to infant, sexual contact, and exposure to blood or body fluids. Though HBV is preventable by vaccine and robust infection control practices, outbreaks of HBV infection do occur in India. However, the state of Kerala with its health parameters, one among the best in the country, cannot afford to have continuing outbreaks. An unusual increase in the reported cases of Hepatitis B in a rural area of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, called for an outbreak investigation. AIMS: To describe the epidemiological features, to determine the risk factors associated with HBV transmission, and to suggest measures to prevent future transmission. METHODS: A community-based case-control study (1:2) was undertaken. A total of 162 participants (54 cases and 108 age, gender, and neighborhood matched controls) took part in the study. Focus group discussions were conducted with subject experts to develop an interview schedule assessing 40 risk factors. It was further reviewed by the University of Sydney. Data was collected by trained Junior Health Inspectors and Junior Public Health Nurses of the Primary Health Centers. Data was analyzed using SPSS v. 20. Proportions were compared by Univariate analysis, sub-group analysis, and logistic regression. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) was also calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: More than 90% of the infections were IgM anti-HBc positive, suggesting a recent infection. Interventions during hospitalization [OR: 7.98 (95% CI - 2.17--29.4)], family history of Hepatitis B [OR. 4.14 (95%CI - 1.73--9.9)], and laboratory investigations [OR: 3.99 (1.72--9.31)] were found to be significant risk factors. PAR was highest for laboratory interventions (32%). Vaccinating household contacts and strict enforcement of infection control practices could substantially reduce the burden of this fatal disease.
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Background: Misuse of prescription drugs is a major public health problem in India and developing countries. Emerging evidence indicates that glucocorticoids are a class of drugs that are silently misused. These drugs are inexpensive and easily available as over-the-counter drugs in India are widely used by local practitioners and self-prescribed by patients for swift symptomatic relief of febrile illnesses, joint pain, asthma, other respiratory illnesses, and skin diseases. Many people have become dependent on glucocorticoids unintentionally and remain completely unaware of the metabolic changes occurring in their bodies. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 38 pharmacies in Thiruvalla municipality of South India was conducted to indirectly assess the utilization of glucocorticoids in the region using a pharmacy sales overview. Results: Most people approach pharmacies with prescriptions than without. A high majority of pharmacists do not have any knowledge about the uses (37%) or adverse effects (66%) of glucocorticoids. More than 50% of the community pharmacies have more than 1% of their sales attributed to glucocorticoids when compared with the total sales volume of drugs.
