At the Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics, our research in Infectious Diseases reflects decades of dedicated inquiry into microbial pathogens, host immune responses, and innovative diagnostic strategies. This body of work is a testament to our sustained commitment to addressing some of the most critical public health challenges, particularly those affecting tropical regions and vulnerable populations.
Our investigations have consistently focused on diseases of major clinical and epidemiological relevance, including amoebiasis, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and sepsis. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, our research spans from fundamental studies on disease mechanisms to translational work in diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Key Contributions:
- Amoebiasis: Our pioneering studies on Entamoeba histolytica have advanced the understanding of its pathogenesis, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions. We developed experimental animal models and explored immune mechanisms such as immune complex formation, autoantibody production, and leukocyte migration inhibition in hepatic amoebiasis.
- Viral Hepatitis: We have extensively studied HBV and HCV in the Indian population, contributing to knowledge on prevalence, genotyping, immune markers, and vaccine response. Our integration of molecular diagnostics, including PCR and genomic fingerprinting, has improved the accuracy of viral detection and monitoring.
- HIV and Co-infections: Our work has addressed seroprevalence, immune suppression, and co-infection dynamics, particularly in high-risk groups. We have also investigated the role of herpesviruses in gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, revealing complex interactions between chronic viral infections and liver disease.
- Emerging Focus on Sepsis: Recent research has expanded into systemic infections and sepsis, with a focus on biomarkers such as mitochondrial DNA and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). These studies aim to enhance early detection and risk stratification in critically ill patients.
Representative Publications:
- Adoptive transfer of immunity to Entamoeba histolytica infection by immune spleen cells in rats. A preliminary report
- Occurrence of hepatic amoebiasis in rats inoculated intracaecally with a virulent strain of Entamoeba histolytica
- A comparative study on the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in two major communities at Hyderabad (India)
- Cytomegalo and herpes simplex virus in duodenal ulcer
- Enteric Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis: Epidemics, Animal transmission and hepatitis E virus detection by polymerase chain reaction
- Detection and characterization of circulating immune complexes in peptic ulcer
- Seroepidemiology of histolytica infection in Hyderabad
- HBV status among mentally retarded
- Local epidemic of a Non-B Hepatitis in Hyderabad
- Prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women in Hyderabad region
Through a multidisciplinary approach combining immunology, molecular biology, and epidemiology, our research continues to shape the understanding and management of infectious diseases. At CLRD, we remain committed to advancing science that directly informs clinical practice, public health policy, and vaccine development both in India and globally.
