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Department of Microbiology

The Laboratory services of the Department of Microbiology, is NABL accredited in accordance with the standard ISO 15189:2012 "Medical laboratories - Requirement for quality and competence" since March, 2018. It is the first Microbiology and molecular testing laboratory in Puducherry to be accredited by NABL, with a broad range of Bacteriology, Immunology, Virology, Parasitology and Molecular tests covered under the scope of accreditation. The laboratory provides state of the art diagnostic test facilities with adherence to strict quality control and client satisfaction, and it is a vital component of quality health care services rendered to the population of Puducherry and its surrounding areas by Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences.

Diagnostic services (NABL accredited)

The laboratory functions with well qualified and trained technical personnel and faculty, and offers round the clock technical and advisory services to clients, with specialized and rapid diagnostic techniques for emergency patient care. The laboratory strives to provide accurate reports to clients at the shortest time possible. This facility is extended to medical practitioners and hospitals in this region. Quality of the tests is strictly monitored by the National External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) conducted by the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists/ Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore and External Quality Assessment Program in Medical Mycology (EQMM) conducted by Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Internal quality control for all laboratory Procedures are undertaken regularly to maintain high standards for Reproducible results.

The laboratory is a designated microscopic centre for National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). It is an integrated counselling testing centre (ICTC) under the public private partnership of government of India's National AIDS control organization.

Special services available

  • Real Time PCR for SARS CoV 2 RNA, Hepatitis B virus DNA, Hepatitis C virus RNA, Human Papilloma virus (HPV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Automated/ conventional cultures (BacT/ALERT 3D and Vitek 2 compact )

    o Aerobic culture and sensitivity
    o Anaerobic culture
    o Fungal culture (including yeast susceptibility testing)

  • Serological tests for rapid and accurate detection of Hepatitis B virus markers by fully automated chemiluminescence immuno analyzer (Cobas e411) and minividas (ELFA).
  • Turbidimetry based assays for detection of Anti Streptolysin-O (ASO), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Rheumatoid Factor (RF).
  • Serological tests for autoimmune diseases

    o Anti-nuclear antibody by- Immunofluorescence and ELISA
    o Double stranded DNA ELISA
    o Anti cyclic citrullinated peptide ELISA

Research & Publications

Under Graduate Research-ICMR STS & PIMS fellowship

1. Seroepidemiology of dengue fever among patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital during the recent outbreaks in Puducherry, Ms. Pon Roja – 2019 batch, Dr.Shashikala (Guide), PIMS fellowship 2023.
2. Antimicrobial resistance pattern and antibiotic consumption in patients admitted to intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital Ms. Lydia Florence. K – 2020 batch ,Dr.Sheela Devi(Guide) ICMR-STS 2023.
3. Study on Hepatitis B surface antibodies levels in interns from a tertiary care teaching hospital,Puducherry. Ms.Jenis Sylvia, Third year MBBS student, Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (Guide), ICMR-STS 2023.
4. Analysis and prediction of trend of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed by TrueNat/GeneXpert /Auramine-O in pre COVID & COVID era using ARIMA model, Mr. Nalinchander – 2020 batch,Dr.Johny Asir(Guide), PIMS fellowship, 2023
5. Trends in Viral Respiratory tract Infections in Puducherry ,South India Miss Advika , Third year MBBS student ,Dr.Meghna (guide)., PIMS fellowship, 2023
6. Association between severity of COVID – 19 disease and Cycle threshold (CT) value in Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) – A hype or reality,Ms.Ishwaria. S, Third year MBBS student, Dr.Patricia Anitha. K (Guide), PIMS fellowship, 2023.
7. Clinicomycological profile of dermatophytosis in a tertiary care hospital - A cross sectional study, Ms. A. Ancy Jeffy – 2020 batch , Dr.Arthi (Guide), PIMS fellowship, 2023

1. SARS CoV2 breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated undergraduate medical students at a teaching hospital in Puducherry,Miss Abhirami Ravidran,Dr.Shashikala(guide). Final year MBBS student, PIMS fellowship, 2022
2. Care bundle audit in catheter associated urinary tract infection in a tertiary care hospital. Mr. Vineeth Ram Chembra, 3rd year MBBS student, Dr Sheela Devi C (guide)- ICMR STS 2022.
3. Profile of Candida bloodstream infections (BSI) in a tertiary care hospital. Miss. Shreya S.,Third year MBBS student, Dr Sandhya Bhat K (guide)- PIMS fellowship, 2022.
4. Comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory profile of COVID-19 cases in the first, second and third waves of the pandemic in a tertiary care hospital. Miss.Sivasri Murugapandian, 3rd MBBS student, Dr Patricia Anitha (Guide)-ICMR STS 2022.
5. Point prevalence survey of antibiotic use among patients in tertiary care a hospital.Mr Adarsh Menon Third year MBBS student, Dr Arthi E (guide)- PIMS fellowship, 2022.

1. Minimum inhibitory concentration of Vitamin B3 against Candida species: A prospect of alternate antifungal agent , Miss Padmalakshmi, Dr.Reba Kanungo(guide), ICMR STS 2020.
2. Molecular detection of community encountered carbapenemases (New Delhi Metallobetalactamase and Oxacillinase 48 like carbapenemase) among isolates of carbepenem resistant Klebsiella pneumonia , Ms Shamyuktha M, 2nd year MBBS , Dr Sheela Devi C (Guide), ICMR STS 2020.

List of Publications:

1. Profile of communicable diseases reported under integrated disease surveillance program from a tertiary care centre- Mr.Ishaan Ramdas(IIIyr, MBBS),Dr.Shashikala (Guide) ,PIMS fellowship 2019.
2. Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Among Clean And Clean Contaminated Surgeries In A Tertiary Care Hospital- An Audit - Ms.Maheshwari (IIyr MBBS), Dr.SheelaDevi(Guide), ICMR STS 2019.
3. Occurrence of vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and heterogenous-VISA (hVISA) among methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in a tertiary care hospital - Ms. Sharon Philip (IIIyr MBBS), Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (Guide), ICMR STS 2019.
4. Effect of disinfection of stethoscope on bacterial colonization- Mr.John Albert(IIyr MBBS) , Dr.Sujitha (Guide), PIMS fellowship 2019.
5. Bacteriological and clinical profile of pathogens causing urinary tract infections in diabetics and non-diabetics- Mr.Judah Rajendran(IIIyr MBBS) , Dr.Ramya(Guide), PIMS fellowship 2019.

1. Comparative study of biofilm production and icaADgene in clinical isolates and skin colonizing Coagulase Negative Staphylococci by Aswanth (IIyr, MBBS) under the guidance of Dr.Reba Kanungo, ICMR STS 2018.
2. Inhibitory effect of zinc sulphate on clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii ,Mr.Ishaan Ramdas(IIyr, MBBS), Dr. Sheela Devi,C (Guide),ICMR STS 2018.
3. Time to positivity of blood culture as a prognostic marker in predicting the clinical outcome of blood stream infection, Ms Nikitha (IIyr, MBBS), Dr.Sandhya Bhat (Guide) ICMR STS 2018.
4. Bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of non-fermenting gram-negative bacterial blood stream infections, Dr.Sandhya Bhat (Guide) short project,2018.
5. Audit of antibiotic usage in an ICU of a tertiary care hospital , Mr Judah(IIyr, MBBS), Dr Sujitha (Guide), PIMS fellowship 2018.
6. Anti Bacterial activity of Glutathione on clinical isolates of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii , Ms Moganaprea (IIyr, MBBS), Dr Arthi (Guide), PIMS fellowship 2018.
7. Effect of exposure to 0.2% chlorhexidine on minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin in vancomycin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. PIMS fellowship 2018. Mr. Mathan Karthik (II yr, MBBS), Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (Guide).

1. Ashwin Venu,Jagadish K.L , Sandhya Bhat . Streptococcus pseudoporcinus bacteremia in a Type II-respiratory failure patient with coronary artery disease: A case reportInternational J of Medical Microbiology and tropical diseases 2023:9(1)70-73.
2. Chetty Meghna, Rakhi B, Sujatha S, Chandra SS. Anaerobic Profile of Intra-abdominal Infections – A 23-Year RetrospectiveStudy. J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2023;17(2):1029-1037. doi: 10.22207/JPAM.17.2.32.
3. Dhandapani S, Rajshekar D, Priyadarshi K,....Sheela Devi et al. Comparison of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in Intensive care units and wards of COVID-19: A large scale multicentric study in India. Am J Infect Control. 2023;51(3):304-312. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2022.09.028.
4. Sangeetha AV, Devi Sheela, Subramanian A, Daniel M, Anandh P. Genotype Distribution and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Clinical Isolates of Group B Streptococcus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry, South India. J Trop Med. 2023 Mar 8;2023:9910380. doi:10.1155/2023/9910380. PMID: 36935773; PMCID: PMC10017211.
5. Krishnamoorthi S, Priyadarshi K, Rajshekar D, ....Sheela Devi et al. Impact of conducting hand hygiene audit in COVID-19 care locations of India-A large scale national multicentric study - HHAC study. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2023;43:39-48. doi:10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.09.002
6. Bhat K Sandhya, Jayasekaran V, Sailas CVet al. Bloodstream infections (BSI) in COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study. Indian J Microbiol Res 2023;10(2):90-95
7. Karthiga I, Sigamani V, Bhat Sandhya, Aravind HK. Burkholderia pseudomallei – The malicious invader causing orbital cellulitis !!!. IP Int J Ocul Oncol Oculoplasty 2023;9(2):102-104.
8. Bhat Sandhya K, Ravichandran K, Kanungo R. Rising Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Azithromycin: A Therapeutic Challenge in Treating Enteric Fever. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research. 2022 Mar 1;16(3):6-9.
9. Velavan A, Shashikala, Anitha P, Stalin P, Kumar R A, Purty AJ. Assessment of breeding sites and seroprevalence of dengue in an urban area of Puducherry – A community-based study. J Curr Res Sci Med 2022;8:152-5.
10. Basheer A, Kanungo R, Ratnam Vivian J, Ravichandran, Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Center in South India. Cureus,2022, 14(2): e22520. doi:10.7759/cureus.22520.
11. Mohanty L, Prabhu M, Mishra AK, Purty AJ, Kanungo R, Ghosh G, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of a single dose, live-attenuated ‘tetravalent dengue vaccine’in healthy Indian adults; a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled phase I/II trial. Vaccine: X. 2022 Apr 1;10:100142.
12. Mohann D, Nalamate R, Cherian TA, Cherian MK, Nair Shashikala. Pathogenic microbiological flora in middle ear mucosa of chronic otitis media inactive mucosal disease: Relevance in surgical outcome of tympanoplasty: A pilot study. European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine, 2022; 9(6): 1898-1906.
13. Priya P , Solomon P , Nair Shashikala , Mohankumar P. An Uncommon Case of Brucellar Spondylodiscitis: A Case Report.Journal of Orthopaedics case reports, 2022; 12(09) :10-14.
14. Devi C Sheela, Ratnam P Vivian, Ramya SR, Kanungo R, Sampath E, Parameswaran S, Anusha R, Abraham G. Detection of 16S rRNA gene for rapid identification of bacterial pathogens causing peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2022 Jul 1;40(3):409-12.
15. Maheshwary D, Devi Sheela C, Asir J. Intestinal carriage of aminoglycoside resistant Enterococcus species among pediatric inpatient in a tertiary care hospital. Res J Biotech. 2022 ; 17(10): 26-31.
16. Jayabalakrishnan N, Sandhya Bhat K, Time to positivity of blood culture as a prognostic marker in predicting the clinical outcome of blood stream infection. Indian J Microbiol Res 2022;9(1):62-68.
17. Salahudeen M, Ramdas A, Elumalai Arthi, Ravichandran K, Kuruvila S. Efficacy of periodic acid–Schiff stain in the diagnosis of onychomycosis – A cross-sectional study. J Curr Res Sci Med 2022;8:32-6.
18. Mohanam TVR, Kumar S, Lakshanadeve VM, T R, Kurien M, Arthi E, Priyadarshini BG. Primary Laryngeal Aspergillosis in the Immunocompetent Patient. BJOHNS [Internet]. 2022Dec.3 30(1):116-23.
19. Sanjeevan C, Bhat KSandhya. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance among patients with sepsis in intensive care units of a tertiary care center. J Curr Res Sci Med 2022;8:129-34.
20. Rajendran R J, Seralathan Sujitha E. Audit of antibiotics usage in an intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in South India. J Curr Res Sci Med 2022;8:156-61.
21. Philip A, Jagdish S, Nair Shashikala, George Nimmy.A Rare Case of Scrub Typhus with Eschar and Abscess Formation Over Previous Surgical Scar Site-Scar Site Scrub Typhus.Indian Journal Of Surgery.2021 Jun 15; DO - 10.1007/s12262-021-02982-0.
22. Reddy J, Rajan N, Dinakaran Sridevi, Krishnan L. Neonatal scrub typhus – A sepsis mimic. Indian Pediatr Case Rep 2021;1:173-5.
23. Lokeshwari V, Bhat SandhyaK, Vaishnavadevi G. Direct susceptibility testing by disk diffusion on positive BacT/ALERT blood cultures: A rapid and definitive tool for antibiotic stewardship. International Journal of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Diseases. 2021;7(3):179-185.
24. Suranigi SM, Ramya SR, Sheela Devi C, Kanungo R, Najimudeen S. Risk factors,bacteriological profile and outcome of surgical site infections following orthopaedic surgery.Iran J Microbiol. 2021 Apr;13(2):171-177. doi: 10.18502/ijm.v13i2.5976. PMID: 34540151;PMCID: PMC8408022.
25. Moganaprea K, Elumalai Arthi. Activity of Exogenous Glutathione and its Synergism with Meropenem against Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. National Journal of Laboratory Medicine. 2021;10(4):MO33-MO35.
26. Subramanian A, Bhat Sandhya, Mookkappan S, Anitha P, Kandasamy R, Kanungo R. Empiric antibiotic and in-vitro susceptibility of urosepsis pathogens: do they match? The outcome of a study from south India. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2021;15(9):1346-1350. Published 2021 Sep 30. doi:10.3855/jidc.14589.
27. Subramanian A, Sheela Devi, Abraham G, Honnavar P. Trichosporon asahii infection associated with glomerulonephritis in a diabetic patient. Med Mycol Case Rep. 2021;35:15-17. Published 2021 Dec 14. doi:10.1016/j.mmcr.2021.12.001
28. Ramdas I. and Nair Shashikala. Profile of communicable diseases reported under integrated disease surveillance programme from a teaching hospital. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 2020; 9(8), 4165–4169.
29. Ramdas I, Devi C Sheela. Inhibitory effect of zinc sulfate on clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Journal of Global Infectious Diseases. 2020 Oct 1;12(4):217-8.
30. Meghna C, Vidhyalakshmi K. Prevalance of faecal carriage of salmonella serotypes and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among asymptomatic food handler; Archives of Clinical Microbiology. 2020;12(1);1-11.

Dr.Sandhya Bhat, K.,

1. Essentials of Medical Microbiology, 4rd Edition, 2023. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Private Limited, India.
2. Essentials of Applied Microbiology for Nurses (including infection control and safety). 1st edition 2022. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Private Limited, India.

3. Essentials of Practical Microbiology, 2nd Edition, 2020. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Private Limited, India.
4. Review of Microbiology and Immunology, 9th Edition, January 2020. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Private Limited, India.

Dr. Reba Kanungo (Editor)

Text of Microbiology, 11th Edition, 2020. Universities Press (India) Private Limited, India.

Dr.Sheela Devi (Chapter in book)

Sekar, U., Devi, S., Ashwin, A. (2023). Peritonitis in CAPD: Microbiological Considerations in Diagnosis. In: Abraham, G., Varughese, S., Sekar, U. (eds) Diagnosis and Management of Complications of Peritoneal Dialysis related Peritonitis. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2275-8_4.

Faculty research: On going projects

1. Impact of rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (RAST) on clinical outcomes of patients with sepsis in low-resource settings. Multicentric study - Dr. Sandhya Bhat(PI), Dr. Shashikala Nair(Co-PI), Dr.Sridevi(Co PI). 2023.
2. Prevalence of HPV DNA and it’s genotypic distribution, in the uterine cervix in patients with epithelial abnormalities in a tertiary care hospital in south India.,Dr. Patricia Anitha.K(Co PI), Dr. Shashikala(Co PI), 2023.
3. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of clinically isolated syndrome in the neurology outpatient department in a tertiary care teaching hospital – a cross sectional descriptive pilot study. Dr. Ramesh Kannan S(PI), Dr. Shashikala(Co PI) 2023.
4. Surveillance of multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant and pandrug-resistant organisms for the healthcare facilities using automated AST system – A large scale national multicentric study. Dr.Sandhya Bhat(PI), Dr.Shashikala(CoI),Dr. Sheela Devi CoI) 2022.
5. In vitro activity of Ceftaroline against MRSA isolates in a tertiary care centre RC/2021/36 Name of the Faculty: Dr. C. Meghna Name of the Co-investigators: Mrs. Desdemona Rasita, Dr.Sujitha, Dr. Sandhya Bhat & Dr.Sheela Devi,2021.
6. A multicentric study to promote antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship in the management of UTI: an experiment in mentorship to expand a one health concept” (RC/2021/23). Dr Sheela Devi C , Dr Meghana 2021.
7. Community based surveillance for Dengue / DSS at the Urban and Rural Health Training Centres and Govt. Primary Health Centres in the field practice areas of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry DBT/DST/BIRAC BT/NBM0208/05/19 . Dr Shashikala (Co-investigator), 2020.
8. “Detection of Vancomycin and Linezolid minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) creep among clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)”. Dr Sandhya Bhat K (Principal investigator), Dr.Sheela Devi & Mrs.Desdemona Rasitha (Co-investigators), 2019.
9. Minimum inhibitory concentration of caspofungin among fluconazole susceptible and resistant clinically significant isolates of Candida species and its association with FKS mutations Dr Arthi (Principal investigator) Dr.Johny Asir & Dr Reba Kanungo (Co-investigators),2019.

Post graduate research (MD Microbiology) : On going projects

1. Association of genotypic variants of Orientia tsutsugamushi with systemic complications in tertiary care hospital , Dr.Priyanga S , Dr.Shashikala (Guide) , Dr.Patricia Anitha K(Co-Guide) , Dr.Nayyar Iqbal (Co-Guide) , Dr.Peter Prasanth Kumar Kommu (Co-Guide).
2. Diagnostic stewardship of endotracheal aspirate cultures in mechanically ventilated patients at a tertiary care hospital ,Dr.Priya R , Dr.Sheela Devi (Guide), Dr Arthi E (Co-Guide), Dr.Eashwar Neelakandan (Co-Guide) , Dr. Ali Hasan Faiz Karnam (Co-Guide).

Faculty research : Completed projects

1. Serotype and genotype analysis of dengue virus by RT-PCR and sequencing from in and around Puducherry; Project ID: 2017-4440. Dr Sandhya Bhat (Principal investigator), Dr. Vasanthi (General Medicine- CoI) and Dr Shashikala (Microbiology- CoI), ICMR extramural funded project 2019 to 2022.
2. Analysis of aqueous humour for severe acute respiratory syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-COV-2) RNA (using real – time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Dr. Patricia Anitha.K (CoI) 2022.
3. A Five – year retrospective analysis of platelet counts and outcome in Scrub typhus. Dr.Meghna(PI), Dr.Shashikala(CoI),2022.
4. Impact of hand hygiene audit in COVID – 19 care locations in India – A large scale national multicentric study , Dr. Sheela Devi (PI), Dr.Sujitha (CoI), Dr.Arthi (CoI), 2021.
5. Association between theatre door opening and microbial air contamination in the orthopaedic theatres in a tertiary care centre . Co-investigators: Dr. Sujitha Elan, Dr. Arthi.2021.
6. Rapid detection and identification of bacterial pathogens in cases of peritonitis following continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis -Dr Sheela Devi C, Dr Ramya, Dr Vivian Joseph Ratnam 2021.
7. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance among patients with sepsis in ICUs of a tertiary care centre: A retrospective study. Dr Sandhya Bhat K (Co- investigator), C. Sanjeevan (CRRI) .2021.
8. A qualitative analysis of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in tears of the general population after the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. PIMS intramural faculty project. Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (CoI).2021.
9. Bloodstream infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study. Dr Sandhya Bhat (Principal investigator), Dr. Vasanthi (General Medicine- CoI) and Mrs. Vidya (ICN).2020.
10. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multi-centre phase II/III adaptive clinical trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of Gam-COVID-Vac combined vector vaccine for SARS-СoV-2 infection in Indian healthy subjects, , Dr. G. JohnyAsir (CoI) , Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (CoI), 2020.
11. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among healthcare workers at a tertiary care hospital – Phase 2”, Dr Reba Kanungo (PI), Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (CoI), 2020.
12. Genotype distribution and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of clinical isolates of Group B Streptococcus in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. Dr Sheela Devi C(PI), Dr Sangeetha(CoI), Dr Anandhalakshmi(CoI), 2019.
13. Dengue virus serotypes responsible for the current outbreak in Puducherry - Dr Reba Kanungo (PI) , Dr,Shashikala (CoI), Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (CoI), 2019.
14. Anti-bacterial effect of biogenic zinc oxide nano particles (ZnO Nano Particles) extracted from fungal isolates - Dr Sujitha(CoI), 2019.
15. Clinical and epidemiological profile of Burkholderia pseudomallei infections in and around Puducherry Dr Reba Kanungo (Co-investigator) & Dr Sheela Devi C (Co-investigator),2019.
16. Extra cellular circulating DNA, histone and ceramides levels in dengue patients. Dr. Reba Kanungo (CoI), Dr.Shashikala (CoI), Dr. P. Vivian Joseph Ratnam (CoI), 2019
17. Seroprevalence of dengue in urban Puducherry- A community based study. Dr. Shashikala (Principal investigator), Patricia Anitha.K (Co-investigator) 2019.
18. Anti-bacterial effect of heteroleptic mononuclear metal complex - Dr.Sujitha (Co investigator), 2019.
19. A Phase I/II, Double Blind, Placebo controlled, Randomized, Multicenter, prospective study to evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of a single dose ‘Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live Attenuated (Recombinant, Lyophilized)’ in healthy subjects. Dr Shashikala (Co-investigator), Dr.Reba Kanungo (Co-investigator),2018.
20. Development of diagnostic multiplex PCR for rapid detection of multi drug resistant biofilm producing Staphylococcus epidermidis causing neonatal infections (Dr. Sheela Devi, C.).2018.

Post graduate research (MD Microbiology) : Completed projects

1. SARS – COV -2 antibodies in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic lung diseases attending a tertiary care hospital , Dr Nimmy , Dr.JohnyAsir ( Guide).2020.
2. Diagnostic stewardship among blood culture proven sepsis patients in a tertiary care centre, South India.- Dr Ashwin Venu (PG), Dr Sandhya Bhat K (Guide)2020.
3. Screening for mutations in pmrB gene to predict potential colistin resistance among the clinical isolates of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumanii -Dr.Sridevi D , Dr.Sheela Devi(Guide) , 2019
4. Spectrum of serological markers among Hepatitis B positive individuals in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry - Dr Vaishnavi , Dr.Shashikala (Guide) ,2019.

Teaching learning methods

Undergraduates

  • Implemented innovative teaching learning techniques such as-

    o Self Directed Learning (SDL)
    o Case based learning
    o Intergrated teaching methods (horizontal and vertical)
    o Panel discussion
    o Debate
    o Student seminars
    o Tutorials
    o Model and poster making competition on relevant topics
    o Quiz
    o e-learning modules (Moodle)
    o e-assessment.

  • Laboratory exposure to the undergraduate students through structured exposure postings in the diagnostic, hospital services and Central sterile supply department (CSSD).
  • Training on handhygiene, various clinical specimens collection, biomedical waste management in the hospital setting
  • Designed and implemented assessments on practical approach to infectious diseases, prevention and control.
  • Orienting students towards community acquired and health care associated infections through case discussions.

Postgraduates

  • Orientating curriculum to public health, disease detection and surveillance.
  • Interdepartmental postings for better approach to diagnosis and management of various infectious diseases.
  • Postings in referral centres for exposure to advance diagnostic techniques and national programmes.
  • Furthering integration programs with clinical specialties and microbiology.

CME & Workshops

Sl.No

Conference / Workshop

Venue

Type

year

1

National workshop on “Antibiotic resistance : practices & monitoring for patient care”

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2023

2

National workshop on "Clinical and diagnostic approach to fungal infections"

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2022

3

Webinar on "Current global practices and policies of antimicrobial resistance"

PIMS, Pondicherry

Webinar

2021

4

Webinar on "An update on fungal infections"

PIMS, Pondicherry

Webinar

2020

5

National workshop on "Clinical and diagnostic approach to fungal infections"

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2019

6

Antibiotic resistance : practices & monitoring for patient care

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2019

7

National workshop on "Clinical and diagnostic approach to fungal infections"

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2018

8

Hospital acquired infections- "Man, Mollicutes and Malady"

PIMS, Pondicherry

CME

2018

9

Hospital infection control practices

PIMS, Pondicherry

CME

2018

10

Surviving Sepsis

PIMS, Pondicherry

CME

2017

11

National workshop on Clinical and diagnostic aspects of fungal infections

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2017

12

Ventilator associated pneumonia

PIMS, Pondicherry

CME

2017

13

Restrict Review & Renew Antibiotics

PIMS, Pondicherry

CME

2016

14

Molecular techniques as applied to clinical microbiology

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2015

15

Antibiotics resistance monitoring for patient care

PIMS, Pondicherry

Workshop

2015

AMR workshop 2019

AMR workshop 2023

Mycology workshop 2017

Mycology workshop 2018

Mycology workshop 2019

Mycology workshop 2022

Hospital Infection Control Committee(HICC) activities

The HICC team conducts various activities for Infection prevention and control in the hospital like

  • Surveillance of health care associated infections
  • Education and training programs for healthcare workers
  • Auditing of Biomedical waste management (BMW)
  • Generating hospital antibiogram & developing hospital antibiotic policy
  • Operation theatre surveillance
  • Bacteriological analysis of water
  • Outbreak investigations
  • Antimicrobial stewardship

Various awareness programs and ‘internationals days’ are commemorated like

  • Hand hygiene day
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) week

Meet Our Doctors

Microbiology