50 per cent samples from 12,000 in city have antibodies: Survey

During the sero-survey exercise, a team of experts from the National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis and Indian Council of Medical Research collected blood samples from 12,000 people across the city. “Samples were collected from various sections of the population and tested at the National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis,” a Corporation source said, adding, more than 50 per cent of the 12,000 persons were found to have developed antibodies against the COVID-19 virus.

“In other words, 50 per cent of the samples were exposed to the virus without any symptoms. Several findings have been arrived at from the survey. The team has already handed over the survey report to the civic body and the higher officials are analysing the results which would be soon released,” the source said.

The sero-survey involved testing the blood samples of the subjects for antigens and antibodies developed against the virus. The survey result will help the civic body in assessing the exact number of population exposed to the virus and develop immunity against it. Due to several asymptomatic cases, the government could not have the exact data about the prevalence of the virus.

Before commencing the survey among the public, the civic body had conducted a sero-survey among its employees and found that 15 to 20 per cent of the samples had developed antigens against the virus.