Virology Division is involved in studies on host-virus interactions and molecular diversity of enteric viruses, Influenza, SARs-CoV2, Dengue, Hepatitis C and HIV. Aim of the studies is to help in evidence driven public health response for the country and understanding of various host pathways which aid in virus infection.

Basic laboratory research:

• Basic and functional aspects of host-virus interaction (Rotavirus, Dengue and Influenza) employing proteomics and genomics to identify crucial host determinants of viral infection for developing host directed antiviral (HDAs) therapeutics, biomarkers for predicting disease severity and to study sequential phenomenon of virus assembly and budding in host cell.

Research having national public health intervention implications:

• Development and validation of indigenous molecular diagnostic assays for reliable and cost effective diagnosis of viral diseases.


• Identifying resistance mutations among HIV and Hepatitis C infected patients undergoing anti-viral therapy


• Surveillance studies: Hospital/community based surveillance studies for generating epidemiological evidence, clinical features and genetic diversity of infectious viruses with focus on enteric viruses ,respiratory viruses (Influenza, RSV and SARS CoV2) and Dengue. Data is shared with the state health department for early identification of outbreaks and implementation of control measures.

Public Health Support Providing Laboratory Diagnosis

• The Regional Virus Research and Diagnostic Lab (VRDL) and NACO-HIV lab provides lab diagnostics and genotyping for more than 25 viruses of public health importance.