Bhubaneswar: The state govt is set to conduct genome sequencing of diphtheria cases to identify the variant of the bacteria causing the disease in affected areas of the state, said Nilakantha Mishra, director of public health at the health and family welfare department, on Wednesday.
“Genome sequencing of diphtheria cases is necessary to know the changes in variants of the diphtheria-causing bacteria.We need to determine if any new strain is bypassing the antibodies generated by vaccines,” added Mishra.
He said they are planning to send diphtheria samples to either the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) or the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) in Bhubaneswar for sequencing, noting that RMRC already has samples. “We are also conducting antibody tests on patient samples. Depending on the results, if antibody levels are low, we will investigate the sequencing report for variant changes,” said Mishra. According to him, no new cases have been reported in the last two days, with patients undergoing treatment from Rayagada district headquarters hospital being discharged.
Mishra added that four people are undergoing treatment in Kalahandi district’s Bhawanipatna. “We suspect two of them are suffering from diphtheria. We have involved Shaheed Rendo Majhi Medical College and Hospital (MCH), Bhawanipatna, in this process. Others are undergoing treatment at MKCG MCH Berhampur,” he said.
Five deaths have been reported from Manuspadar village in Kashipur block of Rayagada district. The govt has sent doctor teams to affected areas to take stock of the situation and to conduct disease surveillance activities. Though the situation is under control, the govt does not want to take any chances, said official sources.

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