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Survey Finds Evidence of Mumbaikars’ Immune System Containing COVID-19 Fighting Antibodies


Survey Finds Evidence of Mumbaikars’ Immune System Containing COVID-19 Fighting Antibodies
SHARES

The serological survey conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) across three of the city’s wards have made some concerning revelations. It was found that asymptomatic patients from F North (Sion), M West (Chembur), and R North (Dahisar) wards had a low level of antibodies in their system. 

This survey among Mumbai’s municipal wards was conducted by the BMC in partnership with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as well as NITI Aayog. 

Showing reduced quantities of antibodies indicates an inability to combat COVID-19 effectively. “Our analysis of some of the samples has shown that the level of antibodies is not generated to the extent we had expected,” a senior civic official said.

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The concern here is that those who have generated antibodies to fight the virus may soon lose it, thus making them susceptible to catching the coronavirus again. Studies conducted in Australia and the UK have shown similar results, leading to a general sense of worry.

However, the lack of antibodies among the samples collected at Mumbai’s wards may not be as concerning given the presence of the T cells in their system, which offers natural immunity against common cold and viruses in general. This is based on a study published in the Nature journal that is currently being talked about globally. 

T cells are also believed to contain the ability to retain the ‘memory’ of fighting past infections or common colds and thus can stay active for longer than B cells that produce antibodies to fight infections.

An unnamed BMC official has mentioned that Mumbai’s Kasturba Hospital has already started studying the effectiveness of T cells among COVID-19 patients. As per estimates, Kasturba has one of the busiest COVID-19 testing labs in the country. 

An expert on public health said “We have to look for the neutralising antibodies. In asymptomatic patients, if sero-conversion is not happening, then antibodies are not being formed. Such knowledge would impact the kind of vaccine that is being developed.” Adding that results of the serosurveillance need to be analysed properly. 

Also Read - Mumbai Records 1,158 Fresh Covid-19 Cases Along With 47 New Deaths, Dharavi Active Cases Below 100


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