Publications by authors named "Thashmi Nimasha"

As there are limited data on B-cell epitopes for the nucleocapsid protein in SARS-CoV-2, we sought to identify the immunodominant regions within the N protein, recognized by patients with varying severity of natural infection with the Wuhan strain (WT), delta, omicron, and in those who received the Sinopharm vaccines, which is an inactivated, whole virus vaccine. Using overlapping peptides representing the N protein, with an in-house ELISA, we mapped the immunodominant regions within the N protein, in seronegative (n = 30), WT infected (n = 30), delta infected (n = 30), omicron infected + vaccinated (n = 20) and Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) vaccinees (n = 30). We then investigated the sensitivity and specificity of these immunodominant regions and analyzed their conservation with other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, seasonal human coronaviruses, and bat Sarbecoviruses.

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Background: There are limited data regarding the safety and immunogenicity of the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV vaccine in pregnancy. Therefore, we sought to investigate the antibody responses and maternal and fetal adverse events following this vaccine in pregnant mothers in Sri Lanka.

Methods And Findings: SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) specific total antibodies and ACE2 blocking antibodies were measured by ELISA in pregnant mothers (n = 94) who received the vaccine in the first (n = 2), second (n = 57) and third (n = 33) trimester of pregnancy.

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Background: As there are limited data on B cell epitopes for the nucleocapsid protein in SARS-CoV-2, we sought to identify the immunodominant regions within the N protein, recognized by patients with varying severity of natural infection with the Wuhan strain (WT), delta, omicron and in those who received the Sinopharm vaccines, which is an inactivated, whole virus vaccine.

Methods: Using overlapping peptides representing the N protein, with an in-house ELISA, we mapped the immunodominant regions within the N protein, in seronegative (n=30), WT infected (n=30), delta infected (n=30), omicron infected+vaccinated (n=20) and Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) vaccinees (n=30). We then investigated the sensitivity and specificity of these immunodominant regions and analysed their conservation with other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, seasonal human coronaviruses and bat Sarbecoviruses.

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The kinetics and magnitude of antibody responses to different proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV vaccinees has not been previously studied. Therefore, we investigated antibody responses to different SARS-CoV-2 proteins at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-second dose in previously infected (n = 20) and uninfected (n = 20) Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV vaccinees. The IgG antibodies to the S, S1 and S2 and N were several folds higher in those who had natural infection compared to uninfected individuals at all time points.

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As there are limited data of the immunogenicity of the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in different populations, antibody responses against different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and T cell responses, we investigated the immunogenicity of the vaccine, in individuals in Sri Lanka. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were measured in 282 individuals who were seronegative at baseline, and ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the wild-type (WT), alpha, beta and delta variants, ex vivo and cultured IFNγ ELISpot assays, intracellular cytokine secretion assays and B cell ELISpot assays were carried out in a sub cohort of the vaccinees at 4 and 6 weeks (2 weeks after the second dose). Ninety-five percent of the vaccinees seroconverted, although the seroconversion rates were significantly lower (p < 0.

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To determine the antibody responses elicited by different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, we compared antibody responses in individuals 3 months post-vaccination in those who had received different vaccines in Sri Lanka. Abs to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral (wild type) virus (WT) as well as to variants of concern (VoCs), and ACE2 blocking Abs, were assessed in individuals vaccinated with Moderna (n = 225), Sputnik V (n = 128) or Sputnik light (n = 184) and the results were compared with previously reported data on Sinopharm and AZD1222 vaccinees. A total of 99.

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Background: To determine the kinetics and persistence of immune responses following the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV, we investigated immune responses in a cohort of Sri Lankan individuals.

Methods: SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies were measured in 20-39 years (n = 61), 40-59 years (n = 120) and those >60 years of age (n = 22) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 12 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor blocking antibodies (ACE2R-Ab), antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral virus (WT) and variants of concern, were measured in a sub cohort.

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Background: To understand the kinetics of immune responses with different dosing gaps of the AZD1222 vaccine, we compared antibody and T cell responses in two cohorts with two different dosing gaps.

Methods: Antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus were assessed in 297 individuals with a dosing gap of 12 weeks, sampled 12 weeks post second dose (cohort 1) and in 77 individuals with a median dosing gap of 21.4 weeks (cohort 2) sampled 6 weeks post second dose.

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Article Synopsis
  • - A serosurvey conducted in Colombo, Sri Lanka, before the vaccination program revealed a 24.46% overall seropositivity rate for SARS-CoV-2 among 2,547 individuals aged 10-86, indicating a widespread outbreak in the community.
  • - The seropositivity was higher in females (29.70%) compared to males (21.2%), but no significant differences were found across different age groups in seropositivity, despite varying PCR detection rates which were highest in ages 20-60.
  • - The study highlighted that PCR positivity rates may underestimate the true extent of the COVID-19 outbreak, as significant differences were found between seropositivity and PCR rates across detailed
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Due to limited access to vaccines, many countries have only administered a single dose of the AZD1222, whereas the dosage intervals have increased ≥4 wk. We sought to investigate the immunogenicity of a single dose of vaccine at ≥16 wk postimmunization. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific Abs in 553 individuals and Abs to the receptor-binding domain of the Wuhan virus (wild-type) and the variants of concern, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor blocking Abs ex vivo and cultured IFN-γ T cell () responses and B cell () ELISPOT responses, were investigated in a subcohort.

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Background: To understand the kinetics of immune responses with different dosing gaps of the AZD1222 vaccine, we compared antibody and T cell responses in two cohorts with two different dosing gaps.

Methods: Antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus were assessed in 297 individuals with a dosing gap of 12 weeks, sampled at 12 weeks post second dose (cohort 1) and in 77 individuals with a median dosing gap of 21.4 weeks (cohort 2) sampled 6 weeks post second dose.

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Background: To determine the kinetics and persistence of immune responses following the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV, we investigated immune responses in a cohort of Sri Lankan individuals.

Methods: SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies were measured in 20-to-39 year (n=61), 40-to-59-year and those >60 years of age (n=22) by ELISA, 12 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies (ACE2R-Ab), antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral virus (WT) and variants of concern, were measured in a sub cohort.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluated the immunogenicity of a single dose of the AZD1222 COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers, finding that 93.4% of those who had not been previously infected developed antibodies.
  • Almost all naive participants had ACE2 blocking antibodies, but antibody levels were higher for the wild-type virus than for emerging variants like B.1.1.7 and B.1.351.
  • Previously infected healthcare workers showed significantly stronger antibody responses to the variants, indicating that one vaccine dose may not provide adequate protection against these emerging strains.
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