Chandigarh: 79.4% have Covid antibodies, reveals serosurvey findings

CHANDIGARH: A total of 79.4% of the adult population in the city have developed antibodies against coronavirus, according to preliminary results of a serosurvey that is being conducted by the department of biochemistry of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32.
The study aims to collect 1,200 samples from 30 randomly selected clusters. These will include population-based representation of urban, rural and rehabilitation colonies. Initial findings show urban areas have 83.5% of antibodies as compared to rural areas with seropositivity of 68.8%.

Of the 132 participants from rural areas tested so far, 91 have tested positive (68.8%) for the presence of antibodies against the virus2. Testing of 322 samples from eight urban clusters and 208 samples from five clusters in colonies has revealed seroprevalence of 83.5% and 79.8%.
Daria, Vikas Nagar and Khuda Ali Sher were among the rural areas. Of the colonies tested so far, samples were taken from Dadumajra, Burail, Bapu Dham Colony, Shanti Nagar and Hallomajra. The interim results from urban areas include sectors 7, 15,19,23,37,39,45 and 46.
The complete results would provide a more accurate reflection of the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among the adult population. It will help understand the prevalence of disease as well as the immune response to Covid vaccination, enabling the health authorities to work out better strategies for further prevention and control of the disease, according to experts.