Research - Zoonosis Department and Venomous Animal Unit

1. Title: In vitro and In vivo Activity of Phospholipase A2 enzyme against Plasmodium sp

Team: Principal Investigator and Guide: Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant
Co-investigator: Mrs. Trupti Satvekar
Name of M.Sc. Student: Ms. Sheetal S. Shetty

Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 3 Year (Registration date: 17/06/2022)
Budget: 300000/-
Status: Ongoing

Abstract:
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 228 million cases of malaria, with an estimated 405,000 deaths; children under the age of 5 represent the most vulnerable group for this endemic disease. Phospholipase A2 is an enzyme that catalysis the hydrolysis in the sn-2 position of phospholipids, triggering the release of fatty acids and lysophospholipids. The aim of the study is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activity of Phospholipase A2 enzyme against Plasmodium sp.

2. Title: Mapping mosquito vectors and monitoring insecticide resistance in and around Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Team: Principal Investigator and Guide: Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant
Name of M.Sc. Student: Mr. Pradeep Jadhav

Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 3 Year (Registration date: 14/10/2022)
Budget: 300000/-
Status: Ongoing

Abstract:
Insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors is a growing concern and requires immediate attention because of the limited chemical arsenal available for vector control. Although insecticide resistance has been identified in some surveys, very negligible data is available about the current extent and distribution of this resistance in many parts of Mumbai metropolitan region and surrounded area, hence there is a need to perform more comprehensive studies to understand its extent, which will ensure the most appropriate insecticides to be used for effective vector control. This study is designed to assess the insecticide resistance status of different species of mosquito vectors in and around Mumbai city.

3. Title: To Study the interplay of oxidative Stress, Tissue Damage and Immunological Effects of Viperidae Venom in Mice

Team: Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Student - Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant /
Guide/Mentor - Dr. Sandeepan Mukherjee

Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 5 Year (Registration date: 05/05/2022)
Budget: 5 lakhs
Status: Ongoing

Abstract:
Snakebite envenomation is a serious medical problem in many developing tropical and subtropical countries and is categorized as a neglected tropical disease due to critical shortages in the production of antivenom. To effectively treat snakebites and to understand the need of species specific antivenom, it is important to determine the lethal potency and pathophysiological effects induced by specific snake venoms. In the current study, we assess and compare the lethality of Viperidae venoms that are the primary causes of severe local tissue necrosis.