Dr. Mrunal Ghag-Sawant

M.V.Sc (Animal Reproduction), CCLAS, PGDM-OM
Scientific Officer, Department of Zoonosis
Haffkine Institute

Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant is a veterinarian currently serving as a Head and Scientific Officer, Department of Zoonosis and Toxicology. Dr. Mrunal holds a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) and a Master's Degree (M.V.Sc.) from Mumbai Veterinary College under MAFSU, Nagpur.

She is an accomplished researcher with expertise in toxicology, venom biology, and various animal disease modeling and conducting multidisciplinary research on vector-borne diseases, reproductive toxicity, and pharmaceutical testing including GLP-compliant preclinical studies as per global guidelines, venom characterization, and development of therapeutic assays.

She has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence by qualifying certificate course of FELASA accreditation and became a “Certified Laboratory Animal Scientist” in the year 2016. She is also a recognized guide for M.Sc. Mumbai University (Applied Biology).

Dr. Mrunal has completed an extramural funded project titled “Characterization of Snake Venom and Anti-snake Venom” which was funded by BIRAC, DBT, Government of India. Worked as co-investigator in project on “National Venom Research Centre at Haffkine Institute extramurally funded by Department of health and Research, Government of India.

She was instrumental and worked as a key person for the up gradation and establishment of CCSEA approved modern Snake and Scorpion Facility, Zebra Fish Facility, Commensal Rodent Facility and Experimental Animal Facility at Haffkine Institute and is actively engaged in designing and planning of all Laboratory premises and preclinical scientific experiments.

Her research expertise is further emphasized by her publication record, with a total of 23 research papers to her credit and presented more than 20 abstracts at various scientific forums. Dr. Mrunal leverages her expertise to educate and inspire a wider audience through her engaging and informative talks and lecture series. With a diverse portfolio of outreach sessions and popular articles, she effectively communicates snake awareness and first aid, in raising awareness about Snake bite issues in human and animal health and welfare.

She is also a team coordinator of NOHPPCZ, National Center for Disease control (NCDC) for Zoonotic diseases and Snake envenoming program, under which she delivers lectures, facilitates learning, provides hands-on training to Field Veterinarians to help them out to navigate their veterinary knowledge to circumvent zoonotic diseases.

Invited and contributed as expert in the “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming by 2030 (NAP-SE), NCDC'' with a One Health Approach, to address the burden of Snakebite in India, under the National Centre for Diseases Control, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi.

Appointed as member of subcommittee for framing the guidelines for housing and experimentation of snake and other reptiles by CCSEA, ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, Department of animal husbandry and dairying, Government of Indian

Awards

• She was honored as lady veterinarian by Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Women's Achiever's 2024 award on the occasion of Republic Day of India 26th January 2024.
• She won first prize award in oral presentation at the 12th international Conference of Laboratory Animal scientists Association (LASA), India held on 29th -30th November 2024, Navi Mumbai.
• She won second prize award in Preclinical oral presentation category at 15th Annual Conference of South Asian college of clinical pharmacology (SAC-ACCP) held on 3rd -5th January, 2025, Goa.
• Her M.Sc. student Ms. Sheetal Shetty won first prize (Student category) award in oral presentation at the 12th international Conference of Laboratory Animal scientists Association (LASA), India held on 29th -30th November 2024, Navi Mumbai.

Email ID: zoonosis@haffkineinstitute.org, vau@haffkineinstitute.org, mrunal@haffkineinstitute.org

Ongoing Research Projects

1. To Study the interplay of oxidative Stress, Tissue Damage and Immunological Effects of Viperidae Venom in Mice
2. In vitro and In vivo Activity of Phospholipase A2 enzyme against Plasmodium sp.
3. Mapping mosquito vectors and monitoring insecticide resistance in and around Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Publications

• Paradkar P., Sahasrabudhe P., Ghag Sawant M., Mukherjee S. and Blasdell K. Towards Integrated Management of Dengue in Mumbai. Journal Viruses; 13, 10.3390/v13122436, 2021.
• Chachad D. P., Dias A., Uniyal K., Varma U., Jadhav P., Satvekar T., Ghag - Sawant M. Chemical characterization, Antimicrobial and Larvicidal activity of essential oil from Callistemon citrinus (Bottle brush) leaves. February, 2021
• Mathen C., Ghag Sawant M. and Gupta R. Evaluation of potential application of Wharton's Jelly-derived Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and its Conditioned Media for Dermal Regeneration using Rat Wound Healing model Cells Tissues Organs. 10.1159/000513895, March 2021
• Jadhav K. B., Ghag Sawant M., Satvekar T. A. & Nagarkar J. A. Formulations of karanj and castor oil using soapnut. Dispersion Science and Technology; 10.1080/01932691.2020
• Samant L. R., Ghag-Sawant M., Shah N., Thatavarthy D. and Chowdhary A. In Vitro Biochemical Characterization and Anti-Cancerous Property of Common Krait Snake Venom. Int. J Cancer Res.; 15: 29-37, 2019.
• Bapna S., Satvekar T., Jadhav P. and Ghag Sawant M. Larvicide and oviposition deterrent activity of plant extracts against Aedes aegypti. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research SJIF; 6 (16): 1637-1644, 2018.
• Bapna S., Satvekar T., Jadhav P. and Ghag Sawant M. Evaluation of in vitro antimalarial activity of Calotropis gigantia and Citrus aurintofolia flower extract against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research SJIF; 6 (16): 1619-1626, 2018.

Patents: Nil
Books/Chapters: Nil

Mrs. Trupti Amit Satvekar

BSc, PG-DMLT
Scientific Officer, Department of Zoonosis
Haffkine Institute

Mrs. Trupti Satvekar has been an integral part of the Haffkine Institute since July 2008 and has been serving as a Scientific Officer in the Department of Zoonosis since September 2012. She possesses over 15 years of experience in entomology and pest control, with specific expertise and professional experience in cytology, microbiology, zoonosis and the planning and execution of Bioefficacy and persistence studies of insecticides and pesticides.

Areas of Expertise

1. Pest Control Studies
   • Conducting Bioefficacy and persistence studies of insecticides and pesticides against mosquitoes, cockroaches, bedbugs, ants, and houseflies, following WHO and CIB guidelines.
   • Proficient in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
2. Anti-Malarial Research
   • In-vitro studies of various herbal and synthetic compounds for anti-malarial activity.
   • Collaboration on multidisciplinary research for innovative malaria solutions.
3. Training and Outreach
   • Organizer of training programs such as “Mission to Control Mosquito Menace” and “Management of Mosquitoes & Other Flying Insect Pests”.

Email ID: zoonosis@haffkineinstitute.org, trupti@haffkineinstitute.org

Ongoing Research Project

In vitro and In vivo Activity of Phospholipase A2 enzyme against Plasmodium sp.
Team: PI Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant, Co-Investigator Mrs. Trupti Satvekar, MSc Student Ms. Sheetal S. Shetty

Publications

• Chemical characterization, Antimicrobial and Larvicidal activity of essential oil from Callistemon citrinus (Bottle brush) leaves. (2021)
• Formulations of karanj and castor oil using soapnut. (2020)
• Larvicide and oviposition deterrent activity of plant extracts against Aedes aegypti. (2018)
• Evaluation of in vitro antimalarial activity of Calotropis gigantia and Citrus aurintofolia flower extract. (2018)

Awards: Nil
Patents: Nil
Books/Chapters: Nil

Mr. Pradeep Janardhan Jadhav

BSc, PG-DMLT
Senior Technical Assistant, Department of Zoonosis
Haffkine Institute

Mr. Pradeep Jadhav has been serving as a Senior Technical Assistant at Haffkine Institute since January 2010, with over 20 years of experience in the field of Pathology. He is a key member of the Department of Zoonosis and the Venomous Animal Unit. His expertise lies in the planning and execution of Bioefficacy and persistence studies for insecticides and pesticides against household pests, adhering to WHO and CIB guidelines.

He has standardized insect breeding facilities and conducts in-vitro studies of herbal and synthetic compounds for anti-malarial activity. Additionally, he organizes training programs like “Mission to Control Mosquito Menace” and “Management of Mosquitoes & Other Flying Insect Pests”.

Ongoing Research Project

Mapping mosquito vectors and monitoring insecticide resistance in and around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
PI & Guide: Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant | MSc Student: Mr. Pradeep Jadhav

Publications

• Chemical characterization, Antimicrobial and Larvicidal activity of essential oil from Callistemon citrinus (Bottle brush) leaves. (2021)
• Larvicide and oviposition deterrent activity of plant extracts against Aedes aegypti. (2018)
• Evaluation of in vitro antimalarial activity of Calotropis gigantia and Citrus aurintofolia flower extract. (2018)

Awards: Nil
Patents: Nil
Books/Chapters: Nil

Mr. Sanjay Aba Mane

H.S.C. DMLT
Senior Technical Assistant, Venomous Animal Unit, Department of Zoonosis
Haffkine Institute

Mr. Sanjay Mane has been a dedicated member of the Haffkine Institute since July 2000. Since September 2011, he has served as Senior Technical Assistant in the Venomous Animal Unit. With over 25 years of professional experience, including 15 years specializing in snake capture and handling, he has developed extensive expertise in venomous animal management.

His skills include venom extraction, handling, and testing, as well as anti-rodent testing. He plays a pivotal role in supporting animal studies and departmental operations, contributing to critical research and testing.

Email ID: vau@haffkineinstitute.org

Awards: Nil
Ongoing Research Projects: Nil
Publications: Nil
Patents: Nil
Books/Chapters: Nil