(i) PCR-based diagnostic probe for leishmaniasis

A probe for early detection of visceral leishmaniasis has been developed by using a pair of oligonucleotide primers constructed from predominant sequence class of kinetoplast DNA minicircle of Leishmania donovani. Indian patent has been filed for the technology.

(ii) Direct agglutination test (DAT) for leishmaniasis

A sensitive, specific (98%) and inexpensive assay for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis has been developed and validated in sera of over 3,000 human subjects from endemic and non-endemic areas and can be performed on very small quantities of blood. This is the first global introduction of a simple and reliable test developed for the early diagnosis of kala-azar. The application potential of DAT test has been increased with the preparation of freeze-dried antigen.

(iii) LDH-based diagnosis of malaria

This comprises an immunodot enzyme staining test, employing anti-LDH polyclonal antibodies for the diagnosis of malaria. The test is highly specific and sensitive.

(iv) PCR based diagnostic probe for tuberculosis

A novel DNA fragment of M. tuberculosis useful in early diagnosis of tuberculosis coupled with PCR technology has been developed. Indian patent has been filed.

(v) Lipoprotein(a), a potential marker of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis

Clinical significance of serum lipoprotein Lp(a), a cholesterol rich protein, in determining degree of risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) has been established. Serum Lp(a) concentration of 10mg/dl or more has been demonstrated as a potential risk marker in the Indian population. The assay will be a potential risk marker in the Indian population. The assay will be useful in the diagnosis of human subjects at a higher risk of CHD.