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The various strains and mutations of SARS-CoV-2 have been tracked using several forms of genomic classification systems. The present study reports high-throughput sequencing and analysis of 99 SARS-CoV-2 specimens from Western Uttar Pradesh using sequences obtained from the GISAID database, followed by phylogeny and clade classification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Omicron lineages BA-2-like (55.55%) followed by Delta lineage-B.1.617.2 (45.5%) were predominantly circulating in this area Signature substitution at positions S: N501Y, S: D614G, S: T478K, S: K417N, S: E484A, S: P681H, and S: S477N were commonly detected in the Omicron variant-BA-2-like, however S: D614G, S: L452R, S: P681R and S: D950N were confined to Delta variant-B.1.617.2. We have also identified three escape variants in the S gene at codon position 19 (T19I/R), 484 (E484A/Q), and 681 (P681R/H) during the fourth and fifth waves in India. Based on the phylogenetic diversification studies and similar changes in other lineages, our analysis revealed indications of convergent evolution as the virus adjusts to the shifting immunological profile of its human host. To the best of our knowledge, this study is an approach to comprehensively map the circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains from Western Uttar Pradesh using an integrated approach of whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These findings will be extremely valuable in developing a structured approach toward pandemic preparedness and evidence-based intervention plans in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as a global pandemic, threatening millions of lives worldwide. Everyone was overwhelmed by the plethora of information from different sources, creating confusion, misconceptions, and panic in the community., Aims: This study aimed to estimate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among medical and dental students toward COVID-19 and to identify factors influencing them., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students enrolled in MBBS and BDS courses, and KAP scores were calculated using a self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done by unpaired t test and one-way analysis of variance., Results: MBBS students had higher KAP scores when compared with BDS students. Knowledge gaps were discovered in the areas of COVID-19 transmission through blood, World Health Organization (WHO)-designated variants of concern, disinfectant usage, and mandatory vaccination. A majority (91.33%) of the students had a positive attitude toward COVID-19. Better knowledge and practice scores were significantly associated with vaccinated students and those who trusted government website resources., Conclusion: Curriculum modifications and creative teaching strategies can fill the lacunae in the KAP scores. Medical and dental students, as torchbearers of the healthcare fraternity, can play a critical role in raising awareness during public health emergencies., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology.)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved to generate several antigenic variants. These variants have raised concerns whether pre-existing immunity to vaccination or prior infection would be able to protect against the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants or not. We isolated SARS-CoV-2 from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-confirmed patients in the beginning of the first (April/May 2020) and second (April/May 2021) waves of COVID-19 in India (Hisar, Haryana). Upon complete nucleotide sequencing, the viruses were found to be genetically related with wild-type (WT) and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 produced a rapid cytopathic effect (24–36 h as compared to 48–72 h in WT) and had bigger plaque size but a shorter life cycle (~6 h as compared to the ~8 h in WT). Furthermore, the Delta variant achieved peak viral titers within 24 h as compared to the 48 h in WT. These evidence suggested that the Delta variant replicates significantly faster than the WT SARS-CoV-2. The virus neutralization experiments indicated that antibodies elicited by vaccination are more efficacious in neutralizing the WT virus but significantly less potent against the Delta variant. Our findings have implications in devising suitable vaccination, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, besides providing insights into understanding virus replication and transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As generalized pruritus can be a symptom of a systemic disease, iron deficiency may be the underlying internal cause of its symptoms. Because data on the relationship between iron deficiency and generalized chronic pruritus are limited, more research is needed to ensure proper diagnosis and management. Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of iron deficiency in patients with generalized chronic pruritus in the southeast region of Rajasthan and to assess the correlation of serum ferritin with iron deficiency variables. Materials and Methods: An observational, analytical study was conducted among a total of 200 patients complaining of itching all across the body without any skin lesions for more than 6 weeks and enrolled in the outdoor and indoor Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology departments of the Government Medical College, Kota. The duration of the study experiment was 1 year from June 2018 to May 2019. Results: Females (108; 54%) were more than males (92; 46%) with a ratio of 1.17:1. The mean age of the patients was 37.35 ± 13.56. S. ferritin was found to be below 15 g/L in 58 (29%) patients. Significant correlation was found between S. ferritin and hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, and the P value was <0.05. Maximum number of patients (70; 35%) achieved visual analog scale (VAS) scores between 4 and 9, followed by 50 (25%) patients obtaining scores >9. Similarly, a correlation was found between the VAS score and hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC and a statistically significant P value was obtained. Limitations: The sample size was small in the study. The overall levels of iron and serum transferrin were not checked, keeping patients' compliance in mind. Conclusion: Although statistically significant results were found, limitations were also present in our study; so, further studies for proper diagnosis and management should be conducted in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]