Vector Biology & Control RMRIMS, Patna

Division of Vector Biology and Control was previously named as Division of Entomology till 1994. Research on sandfly vector of Kala-azar Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) Annandale and Brunetti is mandatory of this Division. In addition this Division is also contributing research inputs during epidemics of other vector borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis in Bihar and Chandipura viral diseases in Orissa. The main area of research is vector biology and control along with epidemiological and ecological parameters. This division has contributed 35 intramural projects and dozens of extramural projects sponsored by ICMR-Vector Science Forum, ICMR-Task Force, Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, NVBDCP; SPEAK India, Welcome Trust, European Union (Kalanet), KalaCore, etc. There are more than 300 research papers in the credit of different scientists of this division. This division has been imparting training to the stake holders, Institutions, Medical Officers, Insecticide spray supervisors, students on entomological aspects of Kala-azar and other vectors. Students from different universities come for their dissertation work on biological, molecular and control aspects of sandflies. In total 7 students were supervised for Ph.D research work and 6 were awarded with the Ph.D. Degree. Development of Vaishali model in elimination of Kala-azar is one of the major achievements including establishment of remote sense parameters, DDT resistance in sandfly, replacement of stirrup pump by compression pump and DDT by Alphacypermethrin in the programme. Research on Vector bionomics, xenomonitoring and insecticide dose discrimination in sandflies is continuing. The Division is also supporting Bihar State Govt in other vector borne diseases.

1. Insectary with sandfly colony; 2. Logistics for field work like CDC light trap, mechanical aspirator, mouth aspirator and sticky traps for collection of sandflies; 3. Compression and stirrup pump with accessories for training of IRS; 4. Tube and Cone bioassay facility for bio-assay test; 5. PCR, Electrophoresis and accessories for molecular-entomological work; 6. SDS Page electrophoresis, ELISA reader for proteomics; 7. Soxhlet apparatus for plant extract;

• Development of Vaishali Model under elimination programme of Kala-azar
• Monitoring and evaluation of Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) of alphacypermethrin in five highly endemic districts of Kala-azar like Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Siwan and Gopalganj under Kala-azar elimination programme to validate the Vaishali Model.
• Established an application of remote sensing and GIS in mapping of sandfly distribution, exploring breeding sites, its validation with cases of Kala-azar and development of RS and GIS software for predicting sandfly density
• Elevation of Sigma Class GST as marker of DDT resistant sandfly
• Detection of natural infection of Leishmania parasite in sandfly using DNA probe hybridization method
• Environmental management to control sandflies
• Monitoring of insecticide resistance in sandflies
• Role of LLINs in controlling Kala-azar transmission
• Tool Kit was developed for Indoor Residual Spray
• IQK kit was established in determining the quantity of insecticide on wall surface
• Xenomonitoring for establishment of natural infection in sandflies responsible for different grade of endemicity
• Changing behaviour of sandfly from domestic to peridomestic habitat

• Vector Biology: Sibling species P. argentipes, nocturnal landing and biting rhythm of P. argentipes, Plant sources of fructose to sandfly in nature, Natural infection of Leishmania donovani in P. argentipes using DNA probe hybridization. Bionomics of P. argentipes, Critical density of sandfly, larval biology and taxonomy, Diapause
• Vector Ecology: Application of remote sensing, Environmental Management, Transmission dynamics of Kala-azar, Exo-endo breeding sites
• Technology Developemt: CDC light trap as potential tool for collection of sandfly, Tool kit for IRS, Implementation of Compression pump, State micro-action plan of IRS
• Vector Control: Vaishali model to control Kala-azar transmission, DDT resistance in sandfly, M&E kit for IRS, IQK kit for estimation of insecticide sprayed quantity on wall surface, Mechanism of resistance by kdr gene and elevation of sigma class GST, Plant extract having insecticidal effect to sandfly, Effectiveness of LLINs in controlling sandflies, Bio-assay test for dose discrimination, Xenomonitoring, etc.

Email: kesari.shreekant@icmr.gov.in