The Virology department at ILBS has the highest standards currently available worldwide in the field of clinical viral diagnostics. It is a state-of-the-art diagnostic lab. that performs testing for the full range of hepatitis viruses including Hepatitis A, B,C,D and E viruses. Apart from this, diagnostic services for HIV 1& 2, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), other herpes group of viruses (EBV, HSV1&2, VZV etc.) and dengue virus are also available. Complete diagnostic services are available for post- transplant viral infections for allogenic liver transplant recipients. Screening of blood donors for HBV, HCV and HIV 1&2 is also performed. The molecular Virology lab is of grade 2/3 BSL level. Ours is the only Molecular Virology lab in India, participating in External quality assurance program (EQAS) by Royal College of Pathologist(RCPA),Australia.

The Virology lab at ILBS strives to become pillar in clinical viral diagnostics in the country and beyond. The lab. is equipped with fully automated real time PCR systems: both open ended (Light cycler LC -480) as well as closed systems (Taqman 48); a fully automated nucleic acid extraction system; conventional thermocyclers and gel documentation systems; Chemiluminescence Immunoassay systems: Elecsys e411 , Architect (Abbott); and a complete walk away fully automated ELISA system (Evolis). We have experienced and dedicated technicians who strive to work at the best of their capabilities for the further up gradation of the department.

The department is actively involved in organizing world class training and teaching programs in the field of viral diagnosis. It has been active in initiating teaching modules and programs in clinical virology for medical professionals. One day CME on ‘Molecular diagnosis of hepatitis viruses’ was organized on April 07, 2009. Hepatologists and virologists of international repute met and discussed the role of various molecular techniques for the first time on the same platform. The department organized the quarterly meet of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM) Delhi chapter on 23 July 2011. The theme of the event was ‘Post-transplant viral infections’.

Health care workers at ILBS are oriented time to time regarding biosafety measures. Virology lab has made a needle stick injury protocol for HCW’s at ILBS, and regularly monitors Anti-HBs titers of all HCW’s and new recruits at the institute.

The Virology department has recently been approved by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS) for HIV testing and counseling. The department strives to become an advanced centre for investigation of regional viral outbreaks.

The research interests of the department are directed towards role of HBsAg quantification in chronic hepatitis B, role of HCMV and other herpes viruses in liver transplant recipients, HBV and HCV viral kinetics during treatment, HIV-1 drug resistance testing etc. Our future endeavors include developing a state-of-art tissue culture facility and complete techniques for whole viral genome sequencing.

Services Offered

Faculty

Dr. Ekta Gupta, Associate Professor

Team