Success Story of Leptospirosis Laboratory of ICAR-NIVEDI
In a significant milestone for veterinary science in India, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has designated the Leptospirosis Research Laboratory of ICAR - National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI) as a WOAH Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis during the 91st World Assembly of WOAH Delegates on May 30, 2024. The ICAR-NIVEDI's designation as one of the five WOAH Reference Laboratories for Leptospirosis underscores its pivotal role in global efforts to control and eradicate this disease.
Achievements and Importance
Dr Baldev R. Gulati, Director of ICAR-NIVEDI, highlighted the importance of this achievement, which underscores ICAR-NIVEDI's commitment to improving global animal health and supporting agricultural economies worldwide, setting the stage for future successes in veterinary epidemiology and disease control.
Dr. V. Balamurugan, Principal Scientist, is the designated expert for the laboratory, which will play a critical role in monitoring, surveillance, diagnostic support, and capacity building for Leptospirosis across India and neighbouring countries. The laboratory is ISO 17025:2017 accredited, with its proficiency testing regularly endorsed by international agencies.
Contributors
This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of ICAR-NIVEDI's ISO team of scientists (Dr V Balamurugan, Dr SS Patil, Dr J Hiremath) of the Institute. Special recognition is due to Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG Animal Science ICAR, and Dr Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD Government of India, for their invaluable contributions. Dr Alka Upadhyay, Secretary AHD, played a vital role in getting this recognition as WOAH India delegate.
About the Laboratory
ICAR-NIVEDI is a premier national institute in India dedicated to the surveillance and monitoring of livestock diseases and animal health information. The institute specializes in epidemiology, forecasting, and economic analysis of livestock diseases, including zoonoses.
Dr V Balamurugan, the designated Expert, will be supported by Dr M Nagalingam and Dr H B Chethan Kumar. The Leptospirosis Research Laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge facilities for genomic characterization, molecular diagnostics, and large-scale surveillance. The laboratory supports the Government of India's goal of prevention and control of Leptospirosis under the National One Health programme for the Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (NOHPPCZ), managed by the One Health Centre of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Government of India.
Aims and Objectives of the Laboratory
- Enhancing Diagnostic Capabilities: Develop and implement advanced diagnostic technologies to improve the speed and accuracy of Leptospirosis diagnosis and expand diagnostic services to support neighbouring countries in disease control efforts.
- Capacity Building and Training: Organize regular training programs and workshops for veterinarians, medical doctors, specialists, microbiologists, and researchers to enhance diagnostic and epidemiological skills, and develop educational materials and technical guidelines for effective disease control.
- Advancing Research and Development: Conduct pioneering research on transmission dynamics, vaccine efficacy, and molecular epidemiology. Collaborate with international reference laboratories to share expertise and best practices.
- Global Health Initiatives Support: Contribute to WOAH’s mission by providing high-quality diagnostics, engaging in impactful research, and building veterinary community capacity. Promote collaborative approaches to ensure livestock and public health well-being.
Leptospirosis: A Global Zoonotic Threat
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by the pathogenic spirochete Leptospira. Recognized as one of the leading neglected zoonoses, it is re-emerging as a significant public health concern, causing high morbidity and considerable mortality in areas of high prevalence among humans globally. Annually, leptospirosis is estimated to result in 1.03 million cases and 58,900 deaths worldwide. A large proportion of these cases and deaths occur in adult males aged 20–49 years. In India, the annual morbidity rate of leptospirosis is estimated to be high with 19.7 cases per 100,000 population. The burden is even greater in animals, significantly impacting the livestock economy due to frequent outbreaks and livestock losses, especially in enzootic countries.
Leptospirosis is a complex disease with multiple modes of transmission, numerous hosts, various pathogenic serovars, diverse clinical manifestations, non-specific symptoms, and challenges in early diagnosis. Additionally, methods for effective outbreak detection, prevention, response, and understanding of its economic impact are not well-defined. To effectively manage, prevent, and control leptospirosis, there is a crucial need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders from human, animal, and environmental sectors. This intersectoral collaboration, guided by the One Health Approach, is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the disease.