Serological survey results of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Recently a pan-India serological survey was conducted by the Serological survey results of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and another laboratory based at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi. The results of which have been released by CSIR recently.
The purpose of the sero survey is to assess the immunity levels and herd immunity levels of Covid-19 in people.
It tests the serum present in the person’s blood.
It has been aimed at detecting the presence of specific antibodies arising against the SARS-COV-2 virus.
Results of survey:
- The survey was conducted on 10,427 Only 14% of these people have low sero-positivity, meaning that only 14% of the people are less likely to be infected with SARS-COV-2 virus.
- The survey reported that there was a decline in neutralizing antibodies in people. This has increased the chances of people getting infected again.
- Neutralizing antibodies are responsible for protecting cells from pathogens.
- However, sero-positivity has been found to be lower in smokers and vegetarian diets. Also, people with ‘0’ blood group are less likely to be affected by the corona virus.
What is sero-positivity?
This shows a positive result for a particular antibody in a blood test. ‘Sero-positivity’ means that such people are less likely to be infected with the SARS-COV-2 virus.
What is an antibody?
- It is a blood protein that is produced to fight the virus. Antibodies are generated against specific antigens. More antibodies means higher immunity.
- The immune system is an important tool against antibody infection. They bind to structures on the surface of bacteria or viruses and prevent them from developing.
Source – The Hindu
