Infectious Disease

The project intends to quantitatively assess the dynamics of antimicrobial resistant AMR E.coli across the pork-value-chain in three different states, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Meghalaya to identify critical control points of entry and exit of AMR E.coli to design a relevant Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

The project proposes to develop a biomarker-based blood test to rapidly discriminate between viral and bacterial infections. The test will aid stewardship efforts by reducing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for all suspected infections. As preliminary work, the study team has identified a panel of host genes capable of robustly discriminating viral from bacterial infections. The expression profiles of these genes were quantified in independent datasets available publicly which demonstrated a significant separation between viral and bacterial infections.

Environmental exposure to antibiotics is correlated well with AMR. The present study proposes the development of high throughput screening (HTS) technique of 125 antibiotics from environmental samples like water (from river, aquifers and food sources like egg and raw meat). A novel in-vitro method will be adopted to correlate AMR with the environmental levels of antibiotics found in Delhi-NCR region and derive safe levels of antibiotics that should be permissible in the environment.

The present study proposes to develop a low-cost paper based microfluidic device (paper machines) for conducting NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests). A novel paper-based integrated device will be developed for conducting DNA extraction and paper based lateral flow assays for detection of nucleic acids. Two portable battery-operated units will be developed: the first unit (PM-PREP) will be designed for DNA extraction from crude samples (sputum, blood, urine etc.) and the second unit (PM-NAAT) for amplification and detection of nucleic acids.

The scope of the project is to demonstrate the Proof of Concept that, using Piezoresistive Microcantilever based sensors and High Sensitivity Instrumentation, one can determine if the analyte sample contains antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The final outcome is a BioFunctionalized Piezoresistor Microcanitlever 8 UltraSensitive Instrumentation based platform technology that enables detection of S. aureus within 1 to 2 hours. The innovation offers unique benefits like rapid and accurate detection of Antibiotic Resistant S. aureus.

To develop a rapid diagnostic device to reduce the turnaround time for antimicrobial susceptibility testing reports needed in diagnosing resistant bacterial infections. Antimicrobial resistance is a global healthcare challenge, particularly in India where the current annual patient mortality is considerable due to mis-prescription of empiric antibiotics. A quick diagnostic test revealing the infecting bacteria's susceptibility to antibiotics will result in appropriate antibiotic prescription by doctors and mitigate the spread of resistant strains.

The objective of the project is to develop a novel aptamer based electrochemical sensor for the rapid detection of pulmonary Tuberculosis. The proposed test will overcome the problems (high cost, poor sensitivity, high turnaround time, dependence on sophisticated and expensive instrument) associated with the current diagnostics modalities. The proposed test has high potential to be used as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostics test for pulmonary TB and will guide the clinician to take an appropriate action for tuberculosis management.

The study team has developed novel patented (2673/DEL/2015) planar wavelength-based illumination technology called cTIRF (compact Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence); to convert the existing simple bright-field microscope and fluorescent microscope to the total internal reflection fluorescence without any hassle of optical filters, lens installation, and expensive. The module is highly compact (approximately the size of a calculator), robust, cost-effective and allows rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis without added infrastructure cost and training.

Over its 13-year trajectory, North Star has built and leveraged coalitions of community actors to engage them in efforts to strengthen the provision of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for FSWs. In 2016, North Star developed a unique and practical multi-sectoral approach to combat violence against FSWs, by setting up Crisis Response Teams (CRTs).

Development Data is seeking funding to achieve sustainable impact at scale for an evidence-based and innovative severe malaria intervention. Building on a one-year pilot project, the next phase of MAMaZ Against Malaria (MAM) will support the Government of Zambia to scale up a solution that will reduce preventable mortality and morbidity from severe malaria among children aged six months to six years.