Mumbai:
Prime medical physique ICMR is endeavor a examine in Mumbai to guage whether or not the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine, primarily used towards tuberculosis, is efficient in stopping COVID-19 in aged inhabitants, town civic physique mentioned on Friday.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Company mentioned that Seth GS Medical Faculty, civic-run KEM Hospital and the general public well being division of the BMC will collectively conduct the examine for the Indian Council of Medical Analysis (ICMR).
“The examine can even take a look at diploma of severity of the illness and growth of immunity utilizing immunological markers,” the BMC mentioned.
The civic physique mentioned there’s proof to recommend that the BCG vaccine, usually given to youngsters for immunity towards tuberculosis, has protecting impact towards different respiratory tract infections, together with viral ailments.
Based on the BMC, the examine will embrace aged people between 60-75 years of age who haven’t suffered from COVID-19, would not have most cancers and will not be immunocompromised (having a weak immune system).
“The BCG vaccine has supplied hope to the aged, and if discovered efficient, it would assist deliver down morbidity and mortality in aged inhabitants,” mentioned the BMC, which is spearheading Mumbai”s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trial might be primarily undertaken in F-south and G-south civic wards in Central Mumbai, the place aged people might be inspired to take part within the examine.
“Variety of members anticipated to be enrolled within the trial is 250 and the quantity can go up if the trial calls for,” the civic physique mentioned.
The BCG vaccine might be administered after acquiring knowledgeable consent from members who will then be carefully monitored for six months, the BMC mentioned.
“Obligatory approval for the trial has been obtained,” it mentioned.
The ICMR has undertaken related research in COVID-19 hotspots in a number of cities, together with Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Jodhpur and New Delhi.
Based on the BMC, the COVID-19 epidemic worldwide has proven that aged individuals are affected extra and have a tendency to undergo severely. Additionally, demise price within the age group above 60 is considerably excessive.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
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