EPIC-DC

Harnessing a population-based cohort for an epidemiological study on Dengue and Chikungunya and drive capacities to conduct clinical trials Investigators

5,000 (COVID)

Individuals Monitored

Every 2 Weeks

Monitoring Frequency

3

Diseases Tracked

Overview

An approach involving the follow-up of a defined population cohort through repeated serological surveys and syndromic acute febrile illness/influenza-like illness surveillance via fortnightly phone calls (without laboratory confirmation) to record suspected cases of COVID-19. Two rounds of serological testing of dengue and chikungunya were done in the same cohort to estimate the burden of these diseases in the community.

Aim

The study aims to estimate the cumulative annual incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on four-monthly serial serosurveys, determine the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization and deaths rates; and estimate the duration of persistence of antibodies in individuals with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The study also aimed to perform an antibody serosurveillance of dengue and chikungunya.

Objectives

SHARE INDIA is one of four Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites selected to estimate the prevalence and annual incidence of dengue and chikungunya among 1800 individuals aged 2 years and above in Medchal. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, surveillance was expanded to include estimation of prevalence, four-monthly incidence, and cumulative sero-conversion of COVID-19 among 5000 individuals over one year. Fortnightly telephonic surveillance for acute febrile illness was conducted, with serum samples stored for future aetiological investigations.

Study Implementation

Participants are followed for 24 months to detect acute febrile episodes and incident dengue and chikungunya infections. A total of 1800 individuals aged 2 to 50 years were recruited for dengue and chikungunya surveillance, while 5000 individuals aged above 2 years were included for COVID-19 surveillance. In the third year, the site is being strengthened for clinical trial readiness.

Status of the project

All four four-monthly surveillance rounds have been successfully completed as per protocol. Verbal autopsies of all reported deaths were complete.

Result & Conclusion

Data analysis under process.