By Allyster A. Endozo, DOST-STII, ST Media Service
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) of the Department of Health (DOH) is set to complete its PHP 32.88-million study on the community seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, by the fourth quarter of this year.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded the research through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PHP 14.94 million), AHEAD-HPSR or “Advancing Health through Evidence Assisted Decision through Health Policy and Systems Research” (PHP 11.43 million), and ARCHER or “Addressing and Responding to COVID-19 through Health Research” (PHP 6.51 million).
The Epidemiology Bureau of the DOH and the World Health Organization, through its UNITY studies protocol, will serve as partners in implementing the project.
This study will provide data on the antibody profile of children and adults in selected communities nationwide beyond 21 days of symptom onset or possible exposure for asymptomatic individuals. The magnitude and timing of their antibody responses will be measured to determine the level at which individuals could be protected from COVID-19 Infection.
Blood samples taken from at least 3,416 participants residing in the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are being examined for IgM and IgG—two antibodies with viable neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2.
Results of the study on the disease extent, antibody testing utility, and population immunity—particularly among vaccinated individuals—will be useful in public health decisions, including prevention and control operations across the country.
Interested parties may contact Dr. Kristine Alvarado–de la Cruz, MD, FPPS, DPIDSP, the project leader at DOH-RITM, through email at kristine.delacruz@ritm.gov.ph.
This project titled “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Determination of Viral Neutralization Characteristics of Antibodies Detected in Communities in the Philippines” is just one of the research studies to be presented during the Big 21 in 2021 Launch scheduled on 7 September 2021 at 10:00AM, to be broadcast via the DOST Philippines Facebook page. (DOST) -rir
