The Division of Molecular Parasitology and Immunology conducts research on three major human parasitic infections viz. Malaria, Leishmania and Filaria. The unique feature of this department is that the research teams are involved in drug discovery and development of antiparasitic infections. This is complemented with the state-of-the-art fundamental research on understanding parasite biology and host immune response. The division strength in molecular parasitology and immunology are complemented with expertise in reverse genetics, immune signalling, molecular biology and and biochemistry. Research in this area has led to novel therapeutic drug leads. For over 70 years, this division has played a central role in the growth of molecular parasitology and developed LDH-based diagnosis of malaria, PCR-based diagnostic probe for leishmaniasis and direct agglutination test (DAT) for leishmaniasis. Also, antimalarial a ß – Arteether was developed and licensed to Themis Chemicals Ltd., Mumbai which is in National malaria program and marketed under the trade name E-Mal as an injectable formulation. The scientific pursuits of eminent parasitologist like Dr. B.N. Singh, Dr. A.B Sen and Dr. G.P Dutta strengthened the foundation of parasite research in India. The Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division has been fortunate to have been home to scientists who have earned many coveted national awards among them are Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award, Ranbaxy award, INSA young scientist award, Shakuntala Amir Chand award, CSIR young scientist award, Ramalingaswami fellowship, Innovative young Biotechnologist award etc. Scientists of the division have also been part of the team that has received two CSIR Technology awards.
Dr. RENU TRIPATHI
Chief Scientist
CSIR-CDRI
Dr. SATISH MISHRA
Principal Scientist
Dr. MRIGANK SRIVASTAVA
Dr. SUSANTA KAR
Dr. NITI KUMAR
Sr. Scientist
Dr. Bidyut Purkait
Scientist
Dr. SAMAN HABIB
Dr. J VENKATESH PRATAP
Dr. A A SAHASRABUDDHE
Dr. KALYAN MITRA
Sr. Principal Scientist