Health & Well-Being Archives - USJ - 91��ý

USJ Department of Immunology found Omicron variant from a Nigerian Passenger

Hiran Amarasekera — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:00:28 +0000

The report of whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý was issued on 03.12.2021 by the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology Molecular and Molecular Medicine of the 91��ý. The study was carried out by USJ researchers including ��Ի��

94 samples of PCR positive passengers who arrived during the last 2 weeks,��and samples from Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Karapitiya, Trincomalee and Vaviniya districts were sequenced this week. Out of the 94 samples that were sequenced, Omicron was detected from a Nigerian passenger. All other samples were of the delta variant.

Detection of different delta sub lineages and locations:

AY.28 (91��ý delta sub-lineage): 31/93. Detected from Colombo, Gampaha, Nuwaraeliya,
Balangoda, Bentota, Kuruwita, Potuwil
AY.104 (91��ý delta sub-lineage): 43/93: Colombo, Bandaragama, Getahena, Gampaha
various places, Palindanuwara, Vavuniya, Waga, Welgama,
AY.122: Kosgama
AY.33: Kalutara
AY.4: Negombo
AY.61: Thalangama
AY.66: Puwakpitiya
B.1.617.2: Colombo, Gampaha, Trincomalee, Puwakpitiya

Sequencing report 03.12.2021

Download the PDF file : Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý 03.12.2021

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Dr. Jeewadara confirms a new sub-lineage B.1.617.2. AY 104 of Delta strain of SARS-CoV-2 in 91��ý

Hiran Amarasekera — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 12:59:01 +0000

91��ý has confirmed a new sub lineage of the Delta strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, detected in the island and termed B.1.617.2. AY 104. Dr. Chandima Jeewadara, Director, Molecular and Cell Biology Unit of the 91��ý (USJ, said 91��ý now has three variants that originated in the country.

“The first one was B.411, which is a lineage of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus, the second is the B.1.617.2. AY 28 and this is the third one,” Dr. Jeewandara said on 19th of November 2021. “AY 28 was mainly spreading in the Western Province, but this new AY 104 variant is spreading in the North, North Central and Southern provinces.” He said out of the samples tested in the USJ laboratory, 288 were confirmed to be AY 104 variant while 479 tested positive for AY 28 variant.

“It shows us that the virus has mutated in different ways and is spreading differently in each area,” he added. Dr. Jeewandara said the samples will be sent to Hong Kong to study the transmissibility of the variant. “We do not have the technology to work out the transmissibility of a lineage,” he said.

“Even though there are mutations, they have derived from the original delta variant. So we do not expect different behavior from these lineage than from the original variant.” Dr. Jeewandara said the AY 28 lineage was observed to be spreading in May,2021 while the AY 104 lineage is believed to have started spreading from June.

All COVID-19 vaccines are still effective against the mutated lineages, Dr. Jeewandara added.

News source :

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Prof. Neelika Malavige selected as a member of WHO technical advisory committee on Covid-19

Hiran Amarasekera — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:37:51 +0000

was selected as a member of WHO technical advisory committee on Covid-19. WHO(World Health Organization) has established a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to advise on scientific, technical and strategic matters related to the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP). The group is composed of 10 renowned experts with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise as clinicians and researchers working on COVID-19 health products; experts in access to medicines, diagnostics, vaccines and other health products; specialists of public health-oriented intellectual property; technology transfer experts; business development experts; experts in pricing, procurement, needs estimation and/or regulation of medicines.

USJ Congratulates Prof. Neelika Malavige on the well deserved position as a member of WHO technical advisory committee, recognizing the tireless efforts in fighting Covid-19 pandemic. The 91��ý wishes her all the best for all her future endeavors.

News source :��

Read research articles of :

90 percent of the new cases in Colombo belonged to the Delta variant says Dr. Jeewandara

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against the Sinopharm vaccine – USJ Researchers

Research on Immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, USJ

Single dose of Sputnik V is highly effective but second dose is beneficial says USJ researchers

USJ researchers found Four mutant Covid Delta variants with two new 91��ýn mutations (A701S, R24C)

Delta variant was responsible for 95.8% of Covid-19 infections in 91��ý – Allergy, Immunology Cell Biology Unit, USJ

Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý issued by Dept. of Immunology and Molecular Medicine USJ

The delta variant in 91��ý assigned a new sub-lineage (AY.28)

Antibody responses declined but T cell responses remained 12 weeks after Sinopharm second dose – USJ research

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Antibody responses declined but T cell responses remained 12 weeks after Sinopharm second dose – USJ research

Hiran Amarasekera — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:52:49 +0000

The Sinopharm is an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently given emergency use authorization by the WHO and is the main vaccine used in many Asian and Middle East Countries. A new study was carried out to determine the kinetics and persistence of immune responses following the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV, by investigating the immune responses in a cohort of 91��ýn individuals.

“Antibody responses declined in all age groups, especially in those who are more than 60 years after 12 weeks from the second dose, while T cell responses persisted.” Said Head, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of 91��ý.��

USJ researchers including��Ի��from Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of 91��ý have been studying immune responses to different types of COVID-19 vaccines used in 91��ý.

Results of the current research show�� that�� while�� the�� SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies, and especially neutralizing antibodies and antibodies to the receptor binding domain significantly declined, the memory T cell and B cell responses persisted.

“Since the ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies (neutralizing antibodies that associate with protection) was shown to significantly decline in all age groups and especially in�� the�� elderly, it�� is�� important�� to�� carry out long term efficacy studies to assess the waning of immunity on hospitalization and severe disease in order to decide on booster doses in different populations.” said Prof. Malavige.

Download the PDF file : Persistence of antibody and T cell responses to the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV vaccine in 91��ýn individuals.

The highlighted results of the study are available here :

90 percent of the new cases in Colombo belonged to the Delta variant says Dr. Jeewandara

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against the Sinopharm vaccine – USJ Researchers

Research on Immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, USJ

Single dose of Sputnik V is highly effective but second dose is beneficial says USJ researchers

USJ researchers found Four mutant Covid Delta variants with two new 91��ýn mutations (A701S, R24C)

Delta variant was responsible for 95.8% of Covid-19 infections in 91��ý – Allergy, Immunology Cell Biology Unit, USJ

Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý issued by Dept. of Immunology and Molecular Medicine USJ

The delta variant in 91��ý assigned a new sub-lineage (AY.28)

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Endocrine disruptor Tributyltin (TBT) found in water and invertebrates in ship traffic zones for the first time in 91��ý – USJ Water Quality and Algae Research

Hiran Amarasekera — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 02:16:05 +0000

Marine xenobiotics (chemical substances that are foreign to animal life) pose a serious threat to marine biodiversity due to their endocrine disrupting effects.�� Researchers at Centre for Water Quality and Algae Research have detected and quantified, Endocrine disruptor Tributyltin��TBT in water, sediment, and biota. “This was the first time TBT contamination in 91��ýn water, soil, and crustaceans has been discovered along the down-south costal belt.” says Prof. M. M. Pathmalal, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate studies who is a member of the research team.

He says, “Our research team is also looking at the deleterious effects of TBT on aquatic species, as well as the development of imposex (Sex change in female to male), an irreversible syndrome caused by TBT pollution. According to the laboratory studies, TBT exposure reduced the fertility in zebrafish models, including the capacity of eggs to hatch. TBT severely affects reproductive hormone balance in animals by inhibiting estrogen production. It has a significant impact on the decline of biodiversity due to the increase of male population in the ecosystem. Finally, humans are exposed to TBT mostly through the consumption of contaminated water and seafood, which poses a health risk to those who are regularly exposed to contaminated water and seafood.” Solid Phase Micro Extraction and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry method was used to screen the TBT contamination.

The research team included Ms. K.R.V. Bandara, a Ph.D candidate in the Department of Zoology, Prof. S.D.M. Chinthaka of the Faculty of Applied Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, and Snr. Prof. S.G. Yasawardene of the Faculty of Medical Sciences’ Department of Anatomy. The research was carried out at the 91��ý’s Centre for Water Quality and Algae Research, Department of Zoology, Instrument Centre, and Faculty of Medical Sciences. This project was supported by the 91��ý through Research Grant.

Read the full Article:

Download the PDF file

The delta variant in 91��ý assigned a new sub-lineage (AY.28)

Hiran Amarasekera — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 02:05:35 +0000

USJ researchers including ��Ի�� from Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of 91��ý have been carrying out sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses since the onset of the pandemic. With the identification of the delta variant in 91��ý, they also detected a delta variant with several unique mutations in the spike protein (A701S, A222V, A1078S).

This delta variant with mutations has now been assigned a new lineage AY.28 and this delta variant is now names as B.1.617.2.28 91��ýn lineage. This AY.28 sub lineage that was initially detected during late May 2021, subsequently accounted for approximately 50-60% of the infections in the Western Province. Further investigations to characterize this sub-lineage is underway.

Figure 1: The cumulative prevalence of AY.28 delta sub lineage in different regions in 91��ý.

Figure 2: Locations where this particular delta variant is detected.

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Figure 2: Locations where this particular delta variant is detected.

Figure 3: The relative frequency of detection of AY.28 delta sub lineage in comparison to other delta sub-lineages in 91��ý

Figure 4: Phylogenic tree of the delta variants and sub lineages detected in 91��ý

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Figure 4: Phylogenic tree of the delta variants and sub lineages detected in 91��ý

References

B.1.617.2 Lineage with S:A701S Report. Alaa Abdel Latif, Julia L. Mullen, Manar Alkuzweny, Ginger Tsueng, Marco Cano, Emily Haag, Jerry Zhou, Mark Zeller, Emory Hufbauer, Nate Matteson, Chunlei Wu, Kristian G. Andersen, Andrew I. Su, Karthik Gangavarapu, Laura D. Hughes, and the Center for Viral Systems Biology. outbreak.info, (available at https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?pango=B.1.617.2&muts=S%3AA701S&loc=USA&loc=USA_US-CA&loc=LKA&selected=Worldwide&overlay=false). Accessed 26 September 2021.

Download the PDF file : The delta variant in 91��ý assigned a new sub-lineage (AY.28)

90 percent of the new cases in Colombo belonged to the Delta variant says Dr. Jeewandara

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against the Sinopharm vaccine – USJ Researchers

Research on Immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, USJ

Single dose of Sputnik V is highly effective but second dose is beneficial says USJ researchers

USJ researchers found Four mutant Covid Delta variants with two new 91��ýn mutations (A701S, R24C)

Delta variant was responsible for 95.8% of Covid-19 infections in 91��ý – Allergy, Immunology Cell Biology Unit, USJ

Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý issued by Dept. of Immunology and Molecular Medicine USJ

The post The delta variant in 91��ý assigned a new sub-lineage (AY.28) appeared first on USJ - 91��ý.

How COVID-19 patients are discriminated and stigmatized in 91��ý?

Hiran Amarasekera — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:14:28 +0000

“The stigma and discrimination experienced by COVID-19 patients in society, workplaces, and healthcare facilities have serious negative consequences in 91��ý at both the individual and family levels. In this regard, irresponsible media reporting and sensationalism of news coverage leading to breaching of privacy and confidentiality, defaming and false allegations without consent have been identified as the main drivers of discrimination.” said�� Therefore, regulations on responsible media reporting, including an effective risk communication strategy to counteract its effects, are strongly recommended. Moreover, support strategies should be put in place for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 aimed at coping with fear and anxiety and dealing with stigma, even after recovery.

A research was carried out to gain insight and explore the depth and complexity of COVID-19 patients’ experiences�� and to explore the experiences, and main driving forces of stigma and discrimination among COVID-19 patients, following hospital discharge, in 91��ý. The study was led by and of Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, 91��ý

Out of the sample of 139 COVID-19 patients, the majority of participants were men (n¼80; 57.6%), with a mean age of 43 years (SD¼11.2). In total, up to one-third of the study participants experienced stigma related to COVID-19 and were discriminated against by the community, co-workers and healthcare workers in 91��ý. Social discrimination included barriers in accessing basic needs, insulting, blaming, defaming, spreading rumours and receiving no support during emergencies. Workplace discrimination included loss of jobs, not allowing re-entry and loss of earnings due to self-employment. Discrimination by healthcare workers included breaching of confidentiality, lack of respect, not providing health services and communication barriers. Discrimination has led to social isolation, not seeking help and severe psychosocial issues impacting their family relationships. Irresponsible media reporting and sensationalism of news coverage leading to breaching of privacy and confidentiality, defaming, false allegations and reporting household details without consent were perceived as the main factors underlying the views and opinions of the general public.

Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý issued by Dept. of Immunology and Molecular Medicine USJ

Hiran Amarasekera — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 01:37:23 +0000

The report of Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý was issued by the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology Molecular and Molecular Medicine of the 91��ý. The study was carried out by USJ researchers including and��

Out of the 150 samples that were sequenced from the last week of August to the first week of September, 148 samples had the delta variant B.1.617.2 (delta). Which was identified from Colombo, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ratnapura, Kandy, Gampaha, Jaffna, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala districts. Only 2 samples were alpha variant B.1.1.7 (alpha) identified from Kolonnawa and Colombo 14.

Sub lineages of delta identified during the first week of September (n=84)
• AY.10: 4/82 (first time identified)
• AY.12: 33/82 (first detected in 91��ý on 14/07/2021)
• AY.4: 2/82 (first detected in 91��ý on 10/06/2021)
• AY.7.1: 2/82 (first time identified)
• B.1.617.2: 41/82

Sequencing report 11.09.2021 for web

Download the PDF of the Sequencing Report��

90 percent of the new cases in Colombo belonged to the Delta variant says Dr. Jeewandara

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against the Sinopharm vaccine – USJ Researchers

Research on Immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, USJ

Single dose of Sputnik V is highly effective but second dose is beneficial says USJ researchers

USJ researchers found Four mutant Covid Delta variants with two new 91��ýn mutations (A701S, R24C)

Delta variant was responsible for 95.8% of Covid-19 infections in 91��ý – Allergy, Immunology Cell Biology Unit, USJ

The post Whole genomic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in 91��ý issued by Dept. of Immunology and Molecular Medicine USJ appeared first on USJ - 91��ý.

Delta variant was responsible for 95.8% of Covid-19 infections in 91��ý – Allergy, Immunology Cell Biology Unit, USJ

Hiran Amarasekera — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 04:01:22 +0000

After investigating the prevalence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants in different provinces in 91��ý, USJ researchers found out the Delta variant was responsible for 95.8% of Covid-19 infections in 91��ý.

It is important to find out the prevalence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants in different provinces in 91��ý, to take relevant policy decisions regarding control of COVID-19. A study carried out by USJ researchers including��,�� from the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology Molecular and Molecular Medicine of the 91��ý, showed that delta variant was responsible for 95.8% infections in 91��ý and delta prevalence was between 84% to 100% in different provinces.

Variant PCR report 09.09.2021

Download the PDF of SARS-CoV-2 variant report��

90 percent of the new cases in Colombo belonged to the Delta variant says Dr. Jeewandara

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against the Sinopharm vaccine – USJ Researchers

Research on Immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, USJ

Single dose of Sputnik V is highly effective but second dose is beneficial says USJ researchers

USJ researchers found Four mutant Covid Delta variants with two new 91��ýn mutations (A701S, R24C)

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Single dose of Sputnik V is highly effective but second dose is beneficial says USJ researchers

Hiran Amarasekera — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:02:29 +0000

USJ researchers have investigated the immune responses of the first dose (rAd26-S) of the Gam-COVID-Vac, which is also known as Sputnik light, in a 91��ýn population, 4 weeks after receiving the first dose and compared the immune responses with the previously published data following AZD1222, which is another adenovirus vector vaccine. The Gam-COVID-19 first dose (rAd26-S) induced seroconversion rates in 88.7% of individuals 4 weeks following the vaccine, with significantly lower seroconversion rates in the elderly in a 91��ýn population. ACE2 receptor blocking antibody responses were seen in 82.6% of individuals, with levels Page 9/15 significantly lower than after a single dose of AZD1222 and following natural infection. While the antibody responses to the RBD by HAT were similar to AZD1222, the ex vivo IFNγ ELISpot responses were significantly lower. The findings suggest that the two Gam-COVID-19 doses using heterologous adenoviruses may be of particular importance in certain populations

As the first dose of Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik light), is currently used as a single dose vaccine in some countries, researchers investigated the immunogenicity of this at 4 weeks (327 naïve individuals). 88.7% seroconverted, with significantly lower seroconversion rates in those over 60 years (p = 0.004) and significantly lower than previously seen with AZD1222 (p = 0.018). 82.6% developed ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, although levels were significantly lower than following natural infection (p = 0.0009) and a single dose of AZD1222 (p < 0.0001). Similar titres of antibodies were observed to the receptor binding domain of WT, B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 compared to AZD1222, while the levels for B.1.351 were significantly higher (p = 0.006) for Gam-COVID-Vac. 30% developed ex vivo IFNγ ELISpot responses (significantly lower than AZD1222), and high frequency of CD107a expressing T cells along with memory B cell responses. Although single dose of Gam-COVID-Vac was highly immunogenic, administration of a second dose is likely to be beneficial.

The research was carried out by a team of world renowned scientists. The research team included scientists from the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology Molecular and Molecular Medicine, including , , researchers from University of Oxford including Prof. Graham Ogg, Prof. Alain Townsend and researchers from Ministry of Health 91��ý. The World Health Organization, UK Medical Research Council, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the NIH, USA (grant number 5U01AI151788-02 ). T.K.T. funded by the Townsend-Jeantet Charitable Trust (charity number 1011770) and the EPA Cephalosporin Early Career Researcher Fund supported the research. A.T. are funded by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovation Fund for Medical Science (CIFMS), China (grant no. 2018-I2M-2-002). The donations by WBP, EGB and ANB to the Townsend-Jeantet Prize Trust Charity No 1011770 have supported the production and distribution of the HAT test.

Read the full Research Article :

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against the Sinopharm vaccine – USJ Researchers

Research on Immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, USJ

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