Background The burden of dengue virus (DENV) infection across geographical regions of India is poorly quantified. We estimated the age-specific seroprevalence, force of infection, and number of infections in India. MethodsWe did a community-based survey in 240 clusters (118 rural, 122 urban), selected from 60 districts of 15 Indian states from five geographical regions. We enumerated each cluster, randomly selected (with an Andriod application developed specifically for the survey) 25 individuals from age groups of 5-8 years, 9-17 years, and 18-45 years, and sampled a minimum of 11 individuals from each age group (all the 25 randomly selected individuals in each age group were visited in their houses and individuals who consented for the survey were included in the study). Age was the only inclusion criterion; for the purpose of enumeration, individuals residing in the household for more than 6 months were included. Sera were tested centrally by a laboratory team of scientific and technical staff for IgG antibodies against the DENV with the use of indirect ELISA. We calculated age group specific seroprevalence and constructed catalytic models to estimate force of infection. FindingsFrom June 19, 2017, to April 12, 2018, we randomly selected 17 930 individuals from three age groups. Of these, blood samples were collected and tested for 12 300 individuals (5-8 years, n=4059; 9-17 years, n=4265; 18-45 years, n=3976). The overall seroprevalence of DENV infection in India was 48•7% (95% CI 43•5-54•0), increasing from 28•3% (21•5-36•2) among children aged 5-8 years to 41•0% (32•4-50•1) among children aged 9-17 years and 56•2% (49•0-63•1) among individuals aged between 18-45 years. The seroprevalence was high in the southern (76•9% [69•1-83•2]), western (62•3% [55•3-68•8]), and northern (60•3% [49•3-70•5]) regions. The estimated number of primary DENV infections with the constant force of infection model was 12 991 357 (12 825 128-13 130 258) and for the age-dependent force of infection model was 8 655 425 (7 243 630-9 545 052) among individuals aged 5-45 years from 30 Indian states in 2017.Interpretation The burden of dengue infection in India was heterogeneous, with evidence of high transmission in northern, western, and southern regions. The survey findings will be useful in making informed decisions about introduction of upcoming dengue vaccines in India.

Background Since its re-emergence in 2005, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission has been documented in most Indian states. Information is scarce regarding the seroprevalence of CHIKV in India. We aimed to estimate the agespecific seroprevalence, force of infection (FOI), and proportion of the population susceptible to CHIKV infection. MethodsWe did a nationally representative, cross-sectional serosurvey, in which we randomly selected individuals in three age groups (5-8, 9-17, and 18-45 years), covering 240 clusters from 60 selected districts of 15 Indian states spread across all five geographical regions of India (north, northeast, east, south, and west). Age was the only inclusion criterion. We tested serum samples for IgG antibodies against CHIKV. We estimated the weighted age-group-specific seroprevalence of CHIKV infection for each region using the design weight (ie, the inverse of the overall probability of selection of state, district, village or ward, census enumeration block, and individual), adjusting for non-response. We constructed catalytic models to estimate the FOI and the proportion of the population susceptible to CHIKV in each region.

It is still debatable whether all children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The comparatively mild cases and low risk of COVID-19 in children compared to adults, as well as the lack of clarity on the relative effects of the disease and vaccine, indicate that the risk-benefit ratio of vaccination in children is more nuanced. To consider and highlight the complexity of policy decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children, we outlined the points regarding for and against vaccination of children against COVID-19 in this systemic review. Using Medical Search Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords, we searched PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The primary search term was COVID-19 vaccination (all synonyms), factors (all synonyms), and among children (all synonyms). A total of 367 articles were searched. Finally, 64 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The major theme/tone of 28 (43.75%) articles was in favor of children's COVID vaccination, and they were highlighting the positive factors, whereas the major theme/tone of 20 (31.25%) articles was against it. Approximately 16 (25.0%) articles were in a neutral position. Major factors highlighted by articles in favor of childhood COVID vaccination were as follows: the increasing rate of disease burden (29 articles), prevention of interruption of academic activities of children or school reopening (24 articles), and a role in defense against COVID infection (21 articles). Major factors against childhood vaccination were as follows: mild infection among children (27 articles), ethical concerns and legal problems regarding the consent of minors (17 articles), and vaccine hesitancy among parents for childhood vaccination (11 articles). Whereas, factors of uncertainty were the role in the reduction of community transmission (19 articles), protection against MIS-C (10 articles), and defense against long COVID (7 articles). Considering all the factors of COVID-19 disease progression among children, a cautious approach will be essential before proceeding with COVID-19 vaccination in children.

Vaccine India serological markers among children born before (aged 11-17 years) and after (aged 5-10 years) introduction of HB-vaccine from phase-1 states. Results: Among children aged 5-8 years, 1.1% were chronic carriers, 5.3% immune due to past infection, and 23.2% vaccinated. The corresponding proportions among children aged 9-17 years were 1.1%, 8.0%, and 12.0%, respectively. In phase-1 states, children aged 5-10 years had a significantly lower prevalence of anti-HBc (4.9% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001) and higher prevalence of anti-HBs (37.7% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001) compared to children aged 11-17 years. HBsAg positivity, however, was not different in the two age groups. Conclusions: Children born after the introduction of HB vaccination had a lower prevalence of past HBV infection and a higher prevalence of anti-HBs. The findings of our study could be considered as an interim assessment of the impact of the hepatitis B vaccine introduction in India.

Background: Ageing population is increasing globally year by year. Around 15% of adults aged 60 and above suffer from a mental disorder and depression being the commonest among them. Geriatric mental health and physical condition are more important for perceiving good quality of life. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three old age homes of South Delhi. Data was collected using a structured, pre-tested, validated questionnaire - Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). After obtaining consent from the participants, the required number of samples (n=105) were collected through systematic random sampling method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v21. Results: Overall prevalence of depression was found to be 73.3%. Of which 26.7% had mild depression, 31.4% had moderate depression and 41.9% had severe depression respectively. Statistical significance (p<0.05) was found between married, illiterate, female by gender, those with no regular income, those who had associated co-morbidities, participants whose family/friends did not visit regularly and depression. Conclusion: Increased prevalence of depression among the geriatric population residing in old ages indicates the growing mental health burden and the need for it to be identified at early stage and treated with proper therapeutic measures.