The Journal of Bucharest College of Physicians and the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences

Ankur Ahuja

Ankur Ahuja

Antibody Response against SARS-CoV-2 Following ChAdOx1(Astezeneca AZD 1222) Vaccine in Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

BACKGROUND: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against COVID-19 is a two-dose vaccine spread 3 to 4 weeks apart. This study aims to ascertain the antibody response to each dose with respect to age, previous infection status etc. METHODS: Baseline total COVID-19 antibody level was ascertained using Siemens SARS‑CoV‑2 Total Antibody assay in consenting health care workers before the first dose of vaccination. Adverse effects were noted in each individual and were monitored weekly for the total antibody titre following both doses. Descriptive statistical tests were used to analyse the changes in antibodies levels weekly after both doses. Association of previous COVID infection and age with antibody levels was assessed. RESULTS: Median (range) of age of the 30 study participants was 31.5 years.23% of the participants had a history of previous COVID-19 infection. Mild adverse events following immunisation were reported by 87% participants after first dose whereas only in 7% after second dose. Median baseline antibody titres were significantly higher among those with previous COVID infection as compared to previously uninfected individuals. Antibody titres increased consistently after first dose and showed a declining trend following the second dose in all participants and showed no significant association with previous COVID-19 infection or age. CONCLUSIONS: Antibody titre response was similar amongst the various age groups. Higher response in the previously infected individuals following first dose may make them ideal candidates for a single dose vaccine regimen. Individuals showing lower levels of neutralising antibodies can be ideal candidates for a booster dose.

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Pleomorphic Adenoma of Three Different Sites: a Consecutive Case Series

Background: Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland tumors predominantly arising from the superficial lobe of the parotid gland and rarely from the small salivary glands located at various locations including parotid, lacrimal duct, lip, floor of the mouth etc. Surgical excision of the tumor mass is the treatment of choice with utmost care taken to preserve the facial nerve in cases involving the parotid gland. Case details: This case series highlights three consecutive cases of pleomorphic adenoma arising from three different locations. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma is the commonest salivary gland tumor characterized by diverse histomorphological features and can occur at any site where salivary tissue is present. Careful histopathological analysis should be done in all tumors arising especially in the head and neck region.

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