DHR-ICMR Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network Centre, Kakatiya Medical College, Hanamkonda, Telangana
The Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at Kakatiya Medical College is an integral component of the national network of ICMR-DHR-supported VRDLs, serving a crucial function in the early detection, outbreak investigation, and public health response to viral diseases in the Warangal region of Telangana.
Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-throughput diagnostic capabilities, and skilled personnel, our VRDL is dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and dependable diagnostics.
A Grade-3 Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) was established within the Department of Microbiology at Kakatiya Medical College in 2019 under the auspices of ICMR/DHR, Government of India. This initiative aims to enhance the infrastructure for the prompt diagnosis of viral epidemics and the ongoing monitoring of both existing and novel viral strains.
The primary objectives of this Laboratory are:
1. To identify and provide early and timely diagnosis of both existing and emerging viral diseases in this region.
2. To monitor and surveil these viral diseases and liaise with the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), and other Public Health Authorities to implement suitable preventive measures.
3. To collaborate with other state-level and regional VRDLs for the management and identification of new virus outbreaks.
4. To conduct research aimed at identifying emerging and newer genetically active or modified agents.
Sl.No. | Name of the Virus | Type of Test | Specimen Required |
1 | Dengue* | NS1-Ag ELISA | Serum |
2 | Dengue* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
3 | Chikungunya virus* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
4 | Measles* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
5 | Mumps* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
6 | Japanese encephalitis virus* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
7 | TORCH Profile** Toxoplasmosis Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Herpes Simplex (HSV1& HSV2) Herpes Simplex (HSV1& HSV2) | IgM ELISA IgM ELISA IgM ELISA IgG ELISA | Serum |
8 | Leptospira* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
9 | Scrub typhus* | IgM ELISA | Serum |
10 | Respiratory syncytial virus A &B* | Real Time RT- PCR | Throat swab and nasal swab in VTM /nasopharyngeal aspirate |
11 | Influenza A &B (H1N1, H3N2) * | Real Time RT- PCR | Throat swab and nasal swab in VTM /nasopharyngeal aspirate |
12 | Zika Virus* | Real Time RT- PCR | Serum |
13 | COVID-19* | Real Time RT- PCR | Throat swab and nasal swab in VTM /nasopharyngeal aspirate |
*Ongoing Tests **test availability subject to kits supply from NVBDCP/DHR | |||
Prerequisite
for submission of specimens for FREE testing under VRDL scheme:
Specimen must be originated from
symptomatic cases, test for screening or prognosis of diseases will not be
entertained.
Quality
& Accreditation
·
Participates
in EQA programs by ICMR, NIV Pune
·
Processes
are aligned with NABL accreditation standards – VRDL is in active pursuit of
NABL certification
·
Comprehensive
biosafety protocols and quality assurance mechanisms in place
Sl.No. | Designation | Name | Qualification | Photo |
1 | Nodal Officer | Dr. Pooja Palla | MBBS, MD |  |
2 | Scientist B | Dr. G. Krishna | M.Sc, PhD in Microbiology |  |
3 | Research Assistant | M. Anuradha | M.Sc, Microbiology |  |
4 | Lab Technician | S. Madhukar |  | |
5 | Lab Technician | Aliya | ||
6 | Data Entry Operator | K. Prashanth |  | |
6 | Multi-Tasking Service | Ramesh |  |
Research Publications:
1. Palla P, Krishna G, Thrimothi D. Epidemiological Status and Diagnosis of Leptospirosis—A Review. Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences. 2025;4(2):4.
2. Gudikandula K, Dasari T, Sreedevi S. A Scoping Review of Chikungunya Virus Infection: Pathogenesis, Transmission and Prevention Strategies. Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences. 2025 Jan 10;15(1):54-66.
3. Sreedevi S, Krishna G. Screening of Dengue Fever by NS1 Antigen and Immunoglobulin M Antibodies in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Warangal, Telangana, South India. The Journal of Medical Sciences. 2025 Mar 31;11(1--4):1-4.
4. Sreedevi S, Krishna G. Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children: A Comprehensive Review on Publication Trends, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Vaccines, and Prevention Strategies. In Viral Infectious Diseases Annual Volume 2024 2024 Dec 19. IntechOpen.
5. Krishna G, Sreedevi S, Thrimothi D. Dengue Virus Infection: Etiology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Prevention. In Viral Infectious Diseases Annual Volume 2024 2024 Dec 19. IntechOpen.
6. Sreedevi S, Krishna G, Khan AJ. Seroprevalence of Chikungunya Virus Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Waran-gal, Telangana, South India. Clin Res J Intern Med. 2024;4(2):464–469.
7. Sreedevi S, Krishna G. Co-infection of dengue and chikungunya viruses: a serological study in a tertiary care hospital in warangal, Telangana, India. East. Ukr. Med. J. 2023Sep.30;11(3):282-90.
Dissertation Works:
1. A study on prevalence of human papiloma virus among women of reproductive age group attending tertiary care hospital
2. A comparative study of ELISA with Tzanck smear in detection of herpes simplex virus among genital l herpes cases attending tertiary care hospital
3. A study on epidemiology and diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children age group of below 5 years in a tertiary care hospital Warangal
4. Prevalence of dengue serotypes and its correlation with the laboratory profile at a tertiary care hospital Warangal