About Profile

I joined ICMR-RMRCNE in April 2021 and am currently part of the Department of Medical Entomology and Arthropod Vector-Borne Diseases (MEAVBD) at ICMR-RMRCNE, Dibrugarh.

With a professional journey spanning over 16 years in virology and other biomedical research, my association with ICMR began in 2008 at ICMR-NARI (Now ICMR-NITVAR). Since then, I have actively contributed to various laboratory diagnostics and research initiatives, supporting the scientific team in advancing public health and enhancing the understanding and management of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

My key areas of expertise encompass virology, with a focus on molecular characterization of viruses, virus isolation, viral load estimation, and viral diagnostics through advanced techniques such as PCR, ELISA, Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT), Neutralization Test, and viral nucleotide sequence analysis. I have gained experience of using bio-informative software tools like MEGA and BioEdit for phylogenetic tree construction and mutation analysis. Additionally, I have developed skills in Molecular Cloning, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) typing, Cell lines maintenance and experimentation with cell culture techniques, Cell line sensitivity test (CST), Mycoplasma detection, Serology, and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing for bone marrow transplantation. I am proficient in isolating nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) from a wide range of human specimens for various viral diagnostic, cancer diagnostic (Blood cancer, for detection of Philadelphia gene) & cancer research (Esophageal, Stomach, Nasopharyngeal and liver cancers), and other specimens such as cell culture samples, parasitic worms (Paragonimus spp.) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

I am trained and certified in biosafety and Good Clinical Practice/Good Laboratory Practice (GCP/GLP). I also have gained a deep understanding of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS) and Bio-risk Management (BRM) while contributing to the development of manuals on LQMS individually, and BRM as a team, specifically for WHO Global programs of Measles/Rubella and Polio viruses respectively, adhering to WHO guidelines during my tenure at ICMR-NIV.

In addition, I have the experience in handling international and national audits, particularly for laboratory technical activities of WHO HIV clinical trials project during my tenure in ICMR-NITVAR, as well as WHO Measles vaccine trials project, WHO Global Polio Eradication and WHO Global Measles/Rubella Elimination Programs during my tenure in ICMR-NIV. My commitment to maintaining high laboratory standards is reflected in my involvement in the External Quality Assurance System (EQAS).

I am deeply passionate about optimizing laboratory test protocols and have been instrumental in drafting and reviewing Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). My commitment lies in advancing lab research, diagnostics and imparting specialized laboratory trainings to the trainees while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and biosafety practices.

Area of Interest

Virology, Infectious Diseases, Molecular biology, Molecular Cloning & Cell Culture

Research Experience

I have collective professional experience of over 16 years in the field of biomedical science with more than 13 years focussed exclusively on virology

Awards & Acheivements

Professional Experience

• Worked as Technical Officer-A in ICMR-NIV Bangalore Unit from September 2015 to March 2021 as a regular post
• Worked as Technical Assistant in ICMR-NIV Kerala Unit from March 2012 to August 2015 as a regular post
• Worked as Research Assistant in the Dept. of Measles, ICMR-NIV Pune from February 2010 to June 2011 under the WHO Project “Measles Aerosol Vaccine Clinical Trial Project Phase II/III
• Worked as Laboratory Technician in the Dept. of Molecular Virology, ICMR-NARI Pune from May 2008 to January 2010 under the WHO Project “Clinical Trial Unit {HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN-052) & AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG)}
• Worked as Laboratory Technician in the Dept. of Molecular Biology, Sahyadri Speciality Hospital, Pune from June 2007 to March 2008 as a regular post for HLA typing, BCR-ABL RT-PCR for detection of Philadelphia gene in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), and Thrombophilia mutation analysis

Publications

1. Munivenkatappa A, Nyayanit DA, Mohandas S, Luwang A, Shete A, Hanumaiah H, Mourya DT, Yadav PD. Molecular characterization & recombination analysis of complete enterovirus-88 isolated from acute flaccid paralysis cases in India. Indian J Med Res. 2023 Jan;157(1):41-50.
2. Anukumar B, Asia Devi T, Koshy J, Nikhil NT, Sugunan AP. Molecular characterization of chikungunya virus isolates from two localized outbreaks during 2014-2019 in Kerala, India. Arch Virol. 2021 Oct;166(10):2895-2899.
3. Thounaojam AD, Balakrishna A, Mun AB. Detection and molecular typing of human adenovirus associated with respiratory illness in Kerala. Jpn. J. Infect. Dis. 2016; 69: 500-504.
4. Thounaojam AD, Balakrishna A, Mun AB. Association of adenovirus type 2 with encephalitis case: a new report from Kerala, India. SEAJCRR 2015; 2118-2125.
5. Thounaojam AD, Mun AB, Balakrishna A. A case report of fatality associated with adenovirus type 2 infection in a young child, Kerala. Case Study Case Rep 2015; 5: 105-108.

Projects

Staff