Lucknow's CSIR-CDRI plans to conduct a state-level serosurvey for COVID antibodies!

In a move to better gauge the state of the pandemic, Lucknow's CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute has decided to augment the scope of COVID serological survey to cover the entire territory of Uttar Pradesh. This assessment is conducted by testing the samples of random individuals for the presence of COVID antibodies. Now, the top-notch research centre has asked the administration to provide more samples, so that a state-level evaluation can be conducted.

Over 3 lakh samples screened at the diagnostic laboratory

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Last year, CDRI sero-surveyed its employees and it was observed that nearly 6% of the tested individuals had been infected by the virus at some point in time. While the virus had reached their body, they recovered from the infection without being aware of it.

CDRI Director Prof Tapas Kundu, said: "We have got full government support in conducting Covid-19 research and now we want to do the serosurvey at the state level. The diagnostic laboratory of the institute has contributed immensely by screening over 3 lakh patient samples." Further, he mentioned that the institute has produced an indigenous RT-PCR test kit. Notably, the fluorophores for this were created at the centre itself.

Whole-genome analysis being performed at CDRI to find mutants

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As of now, CDRI is involved in the process of whole-genome analysis of virus strains. The state government had collected samples of several hundred patients and asked the research institution for the examination. With the help of this study, the extent and spread of mutants in the state is being investigated.

Further, the CDRI has set up a 'Unit of Excellence in Virus Research and Therapeutics' to study the prevalent virus and its strains. This project was implemented through CDRI's partnership with APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University and King George's Medical University (KGMU).

- With inputs from IANS