After sero-survey in Pune, IISER to study ‘neutralising antibodies’ that prevent Covid infection

Sharing details of the survey, IISER Associate Professor Aurnab Ghose said the outcome of the study on detection of 'neutralising antibodies’ will take time, at least six weeks, as it is a slow process.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Aug 20, 2020 01:14 PM IST

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On the low prevalence of antibodies in those above 66 years of age, IISER Associate Professor Aurnab Ghose said that may be due to various reasons and further study was required to ascertain them. (Representational)

After the recent sero-survey in Pune revealed that nearly 50 per cent of samples of local residents from five high-incidence areas had antibodies for coronavirus infection, the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER)-led survey has now begun a study to detect ‘neutralising antibodies’ in an effort to understand the human body’s response to the virus. This will possibly be the first of its kind survey in the country.

“The sero-survey has been completed in the five highly-affected areas. It was found that 51.5 percent of the 1,664 residents from whom samples were collected had developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infections, ie coronavirus, but it does not indicate immunity through it. So, this is a further study to detect ‘neutralising antibodies’ that protect from the viral infection,” said Professor L S Sashidhara of IISER.

Sharing details of the survey, IISER Associate Professor Aurnab Ghose said the outcome of the study on detection of ‘neutralising antibodies’ will take time, at least six weeks, as it is a slow process. “The study will be done from the same samples collected during the initial study of sero-survey. We will not be collecting fresh samples but use the same ones collected earlier,” he said.

Ghose said the sero-survey in many cities has been conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), except the ones in Mumbai and Pune. “We are not aware of whether a similar study of detection of ‘neutralising antibodies’ is being taken up in any other city,” he said.

Ghose said the outcome of the sero-survey has concluded that the infection is prevalent in all types of communities. “There is infection in slums, tenements, apartments and bungalows. It is also prevalent in houses of all sizes and those with shared or independent toilets… It is important to stress that the infection is widespread and in all categories of accommodations,” hesaid.

On the low prevalence of antibodies in those above 66 years of age, Ghose said that may be due to various reasons and further study was required to ascertain them. He added that there is no information right now on the time period for which antibodies last and can fight against the virus.

Five highly affected prabhags in Pune – Yerawada, Kasbapeth-Somwarpeth, Rastapeth-Raviwarpeth, Lohiyanagar-Kasewadi and Navipeth-Parvati — were selected for the sero-survey.

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While the densely-populated prabhags were among the worst affected after the beginning of the pandemic, they have seen a low growth rate of patients in the last two weeks. The prabhags that were least affected initially are now witnessing a higher rate of transmission.

The sero-survey was jointly conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), IISER, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) of Faridabad and Christian Medical College of Vellore, with funding from Persistent Foundation.

The B J Medical College, D Y Patil Medical College and National Institute of Virology have also expressed their willingness to undertake independent sero-surveys in different parts of the district.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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