Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Sangay Zangmo Royal Centers for Disease Control Sangay Zangmo 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Sangay Zangmo Royal Centers for Disease Control Sangay Zangmo
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Follow-up study immunogenecity following COVID-19 vaccinations in Bhutan |
| Public title | Prevalence of antibody to SARS-CoV2 in Bhutanese population |
| Background | An immunogenicity study conducted in Bhutan following vaccination with mRNA based Spikevax; Moderna, against COVID-19 during the year 2020-2021 has found to induce robust antibody responses in both adults and adolescents, and long-lasting antibody responses in adults, with no differences observed by sex. With most COVID-19 vaccines having been developed for early pandemic strains, and the emergence of new variants of concern, plus the waning immunity over time, has led to concerns over immune escape. Mass vaccination for COVID-19 was last conducted in December, 2021, following which there has been no study conducted to determine the prevailing antibody level among the population of Bhutan. This study will be the first attempt to determine the level of antibody in Bhutanese population after the major influx of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and cessation of vaccination campaigns. RCDC in collaboration with KGUMSB will be carrying out the study with samples collected from three selected hospitals- JDWRH, Phuentsholing and Paro Hospitals. Findings from the study will aid in informing the public health professionals on the prevailing level of protection and on making decisions on requirement of booster doses. |
| Objectives | Primary Objective: To determine the level of neutralizing antibodies to spike “S” proteins of SARS-CoV2 in the general population of selected sites in Bhutan. Secondary objectives: To determine other factors such as age, gender and existing comorbidities that may influence the level of antibodies to SARS-Cov2. |
| Study Methods | The study will employ a point-prevalence, cross-sectional design whereby samples and data will be obtained from selected sites at one point of time. The selected study sites are JDWNRH, Phuntsholing and Paro Hospitals. Blood samples will be tested for level of prevailing antibodies against SARS-CoV2. Testing will be carried out at RCDC, Thimphu. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | 1. Level of neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of selected sites in Bhutan will be established. 2. Demographic and clinical factors such as age, gender and existing comorbidities that may have an effect on the level of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in the population of Bhutan will be determined |
| Keywords | COVID-19, antibody, immunogenicity |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Nov-2024 |
| End Date | 28-Feb-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Royal Centre for Disease Control |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Communicable Disease Research |
| Research field(s) | Other (Immune response) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Operational Research | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |