The city needs a hi-tech virology lab on a par with the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV), say experts here. To buttress their demand, they cite the frequent spurt in viral outbreaks in the State, the presence of unknown viral agents causing ‘mysterious’ ailments and deaths among the tribal population in and around Warangal, and the resurgence of swine flu.
At a conference on Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Outbreaks in India , organised by the Department of Zoology at Osmania University, experts said thorough research of different kinds of viral outbreaks in Telangana was vital.
“There are a lot of variations in viruses, their genome and behaviour. We have come across so many viral agents in Warangal that continue to remain a mystery till date. This despite sending the samples to NIV, Pune. Unless we have a top-notch facility for research on viruses, we will continue to struggle to properly deal with viral outbreaks in Telangana,” said organising secretary of the conference M. Radha Krishna.
Bhongir MP Boora Narsaiah Goud assured researchers that all-out efforts would be made for a virology lab.
“Just diagnosis of viral ailments is not enough. There is a need for proper research and understanding the causes behind them. I will work towards upgrading the Fever Hospital and a virology lab for Hyderabad,” he said.
Link to habitat destruction
Researchers at the conference also felt that there was a need to understand the link between urban expansion and gradual destruction of animal habitat.
They pointed out that all the present-day viral outbreaks wreaking havoc worldwide – including SARS, swine flu, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Ebola – have originated from animals.
“There is widespread destruction of animal habitat everywhere. And when human beings settle down in these habitats, the residual virus has to live somewhere, doesn’t it? There is also a need to focus on understanding zoonosis, which is ailments that get transmitted from animals to human beings,” said professor at OU’s Zoology department Ch. Srinivasulu.
Given the challenges the State has faced from viruses of late, a lab on a par with the National Institute of Virology, Pune is essential, say experts
