Molecular genetics

The Molecular Genetics laboratory is involved in the development and application of molecular techniques to identify and characterize organisms causing diarrhoea.

The technical facilities available in this laboratory range from gel electrophoresis, DNA hybridizations using both radio labelled and non radioactive probes, to the more sophisticated techniques of DNA amplification by PCR. In addition, advanced techniques of DNA sequencing and microarray analysis are conducted through collaboration with various international institutions. Recent diagnostic techniques routinely used include: DNA probe assays of diarrhoeal pathogens, genetic fingerprinting of pathogenic strains as an aid to epidemiological studies, and PCR assays for rapid identification of diarrhoeal pathogens.

In addition to applied research, investigators are involved in addressing basic research questions regarding emergence and evolution of pathogens. Molecular genetics research at ICDDR,B has contributed considerably to the understanding of the emergence and evolution of pathogenic V. cholerae strains and factors controlling epidemics of cholera. Development and evaluation of a suitable cholera vaccine is also under progress. Among other research activities, environmental occurrence and biology of diarrhoeal pathogens, including Shigella and diarrhoeagenic E. coli, are also being investigated.