ICMR BULLETIN VOL. 28-No.-4-APRIL-1998.pdf

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Vol. 28, No. 4

April, 1998

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SURVEILLANCE OF JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS
IN TAMIL NADU
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a non-contagious,
mosquito-transmitted virus disease mainly affecting
children below 15 years of age. Severe epidemics have
occurred in the past and there is evidence to suggest that
the disease is spreading to new areas. Kerala, which was
so far free from JE, experienced the first outbreak in 1996,
and since then sporadic cases are being reported. The epi­
demiology of JE is complex due to a complex transmis­
sion cycle of the virus involving a variety of vertebrate
and invertebrate hosts. Although considerable information
on the disease is available, there are still gaps in know­
ledge about the epidemiology which need to be understood
in order to develop sound surveillance systems for fore­
casting epidemics and control strategies. The Centre for
Research in Medical Entomology (CRME), Madurai, has
addressed these issues for over a decade. In this article, it
is intended to provide an update of research to understand
the epidemiology of thfc disease in Tamil Nadu, quantify
transmission, and develop surveillance systems, which may
serve as paradigms for other endemic areas.

Epidemiology

Human infections
In JE, there is always a preponderance of subclinical
infections and therefore, reporting only overt cases under­
estimates the total level of virus transmission in an

endemic area. Subclinical infections can be quantified by
estimating seroconversion rates in susceptible age-groups
of children.
South Arcot (now Cuddalore) and Thanjavur districts,
present two distinct epidemiological patterns. South Arcot
is relatively dsy but, an extensive epidemic occurred in
19811 and since then the disease has remained endemic
with many cases of encephalitis occurring regularly each
year. Records of the past 10 years show an average annual
incidence of 4.7/100,000 population. Thanjavur district
is the major rice growing area in Tamil Nadu, and has
provided favourable breeding conditions for JE vectors.
But, paradoxically there are no outbreaks of JE and the
encephalitis case incidence is very low (0.4/100,000). A
study between 1989-91 in rural children of the age group
5-9 years in Nallur primary health centre (PHC) in South
Arcot district showed that the seroconversion rates for
flaviviruses in successive years were 43.7; 67.6 and 47.9%;
the seroconversion being predominantly due to JE and
minimally to West Nile virus. Relatively high dengue virus
activity was seen only in 1991. The estimated ratio of
overt: inapparent infections was 1 : 2702. A 2 year (1991
and 1992) prospective study of comparable age-groups in
3 PHCs in Thanjavur district showed that*seroconversion
rates for flaviviruses were 32.1 and 25.3% with dengue
virus predominating (20 and 8%). JE infection rates were

Division of Publication & Information, ICMR, New Delhi -110029

only 2 and 5%. The apparent: inapparent infection ratio
was 1 : 1774 (unpublished observations). Clearly the trans­
mission intensity in Thanjavur district is much lower than
that in South Arcct district. Reasonably assuming that the
virulence of the virus is similar in both these contiguous
districts, the low case incidence in Thanjavur may be due
to the low intensity of JE transmission.
Complete data are not available on the dynamics of
JE transmission in Thanjavur district to account for-low
JE transmission. However, a high cattle : pigs ratio and a
high dengue infection rate observed in this district, appear
to be important for a discussion on this issue. The vectors
of JE are highly zoophagic mainly feeding on large do­
mestic animals. Pigs are the amplifying hosts for JE virus
while cattle act as ‘brakes’ for JE virus transmission. In
South Arcot district, children in villages with a higher ra­
tio of cattle : pigs showed lower seroconversion rates than
in villages with lower ratios2. Therefore, the relative abun­
dance of these hosts appears to be important in modulat­
ing the JE activity in an endemic area. In Thanjavur, the
ratio of pigs : cattle was 1 :400, whereas in South Arcot it
was 1:4. This suggests that a lower pig and higher cattle
density may be an important factor in limiting JE trans­
mission in Tfianjavur district.

In both years of study in Thanjavur district, dengue
virus was predominant. In 1991, when dengue infection
rate was 20%, the JE infection rate was 2% and in 1992
when dengue infection rate declined to 8%, the JE infec­
tion rate rose to 5%. A similar observation was made in
South Arcot district also. In 1989 and 1990, the JE infec­
tion rate was 30 and 39% respectively and during these
years there was no evidence of dengue virus activity. In
1991, there was a spurt in dengue virus activity and an
infection rate of 16% was recorded with a decline in JE
virus infection to 24%2. These observations suggested that
dengue and JE virus infections may be mutually exclu­
sive. Earlier workers have also observed that children ex­
posed to dengue were in someway protected against de­
velopment of JE3,4. However, more epidemiological data
are needed to define the role of dengue in the context of
low transmission in Thanjavur district.
JE incidence appears to be generally higher in males
than in females (male : female ratio 2 : 1 in Kolar5 and
1.0 : 0.8 in Nallur2). But subclinical infections occurred
equally in both sexes, since seroconversion rates for males
and females were comparable in both the South Arcot and
Thanjavur districts indicating that both sexes were simi­
larly exposed to infection. Therefore, it is important to
know whether gender difference in disease incidence is
real or due to some other confounding factor(s).
34

Mosquito infection
Vector infection rate is an important parameter for
quantifying transmission potential of vectors and risk of
transmission to humans. From the serological study in
South Arcot district it was estimated that the probability
of a child receiving an infective mosquito bite during the
JE virus transmission season was between 0.5 to 0.75:.
This implied a high transmission potential of vector
population. Vector infection frequency in relation to vector
abundance was studied between 1991 and 1994 in the same
areas where serological study was conducted previously.
Out of 5710 pools (285, 531 mosquitoes) processed, 91
virus isolations were made and 80% of them were identified
as JE. Vector abundance and minimum infection rate (MIR)
increased from July concurrently with the initiation of rice
cultivation but MIR peaked in September followed by a
decrease in October, whereas mosquitoes remained
abundant until March. The decrease in MIR from October
onwards coincided with the rising herd immunity in pigs.
Although MIR in October (0.47) and November (0.42)
were lower than in September (0.92), a comparable high
risk of infection continued because of high vector
abundance and human biting rates and most episodes of
encephalitis occurred during these months (Fig. 1). The
estimated probability of a child receiving an infective bite
was 0.53 per transmission season, which reasonably agreed
with the estimated probability (0.5 to 0.75) based on
serological studies6. A similar study may help in explaining
the low transmission level observed in Thanjavur district.
The JE virus is maintained in nature by a complex
cycle that involves pigs as amplifying hosts, ardeid birds
as reservoirs and mosquitoes as vectors. Thus, the virus is
maintained mainly through biological transmission
between vertebrate hosts by vector mosquitoes. Vertical
transmission of JE virus in mosquitoes has been observed,
but was considered of no epidemiological significance, in
the belief that it occurred rarely, if at all, in nature.
However, recent studies in the field by Dhanda et aP,
showed that vertical transmission may occur quite
frequently, but its real epidemiological significance is as
yet unclear. In order to understand more about vertical
transmission, scientists at the CRME conducted a study
between 1994-97 in Cuddalore (a high JE endemicity area)
and Madurai (a very low JE endemicity area) districts.
There was a clear difference in vertical transmission
between the two areas. In Cuddalore district 2720 pools
(136,000 mosquitoes) of adults reared from wild-caught
immatures were examined for virus infection and the MIR
was 2.62. The MIR showed a higher peak during the hot
months (April to July) and a lower one during the cool

MONTHS
1-19944 1-------- 1995-------- 1 I------- 1996-------- 1 *-1997-4

T5

Fig. 2. Minimum infection rate (MIR) of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus
adults reared from immatures in Cuddalore and Madurai
districts.

immune pigs are available6. Therefore, vertical
transmission may be an adaptation by the JE virus to tide
over these adverse conditions.

Suspected vectors

JUN JUL

AUG SEP OCT

NW DEC JAN FEB-MAR APR MAY

MONTHS

Fig. 1. (A) Encephalitis patients. (B) Pig census by age with calculated number seroconverted. (C) Vector infection. Mini­
mum infection rate (MIR)/l,000 mosquitoes tested. (D)
Vector abundance. Number of female adults collected per
man hour (F/MH).

months of September to February (Fig. 2). This correlated
significantly with infection in wild-caught adults. In
Madurai district 968 pools (42,418 mosquitoes) were
examined, and the MIR was 0.54. There was no difmite
pattern in seasonal variation in infection rates (unpublished
observations). In South Arcot district in general, during
hot months vector density is very low and very few non-

JE virus has been isolated from 10 species of genus
Culex, 2 species ofAnopheles and 3 species of Mansonia
in India8. However, Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx.
vishnui have been incriminated as the primary vectors of
JE. Role of Anophelines in transmission of JE virus has
not been systematically studied. A 2 year study in
Cuddalore district showed that abundance of Anopheles
subpictus (the dominant species among Anopheles in the
rice ecosystem) was much lower than that of Cx.
tritaeniorhynchus. The density ofAn. subpictus was higher
in hot months (non-JE transmission season) than in cool
months (transmission season). This species fed poorly on
pigs (0.6%) and humaiis (0.3%) and JE virus infection was
not detected. In a parallel study with Cx. tritaeniorhynchus,
2.9% fed on pigs, 2.9% on humans, the MIR was 0.57,
and the density was high during JE transmission season.
Therefore, it is unlikely, that An. subpictus species plays a
role in JE virus transmission in Cuddalore district.

In the recent Kerala outbreak, of the 12 JE virus
isolations, 4 were from Mansonia species9. Previously, one
isolation was made from Ma. annulifera in Dibrugarh,
Assam10 and one JE virus antigen positive pool was de­
tected in Mandyadistrict, Karnataka”. Four isolations from
a small number of Mansonia species in Kerala is notewor­
thy. Therefore, a detailed study of the vectorial potential
of Mansonia species (which are vectors of brugian filari­
asis in Kerala) for JE transmission in Kerala has been
planned.
35

Surveillance

Human encephalitis

Encephalitis case surveillance is based on the clinical
and laboratory diagnosis12. Encephalitis caused by other
viruses does not usually occur in epidemic forms, and
therefore, JE must be suspected in any large outbreaks
particularly those occurring during the monsoon and post-*
monsoon months. When an epidemic occurs in a new
area, laboratory confirmation is essential. But, when the
presence of JE has been repeatedly demonstrated in an
endemic area it niay not be necessary to confirm every
case of encephalitis. Nevertheless, for surveillance records
in a new area it is essential to determine the proportion of
JE among encephalitis cases. For example, in South Arcot
district during the JE transmission seasons of 1993-1995,
85 patients (mostly paediatric) with acute central nervous
system diseases were examined using a battery of
laboratory diagnostic tests for JE. In 53 patients (62.4%) a
diagnosis of JE was established. In terms of diagnostic
value IgM antibody capture ELISA (MAC ELISA) on
convalescent serum had the highest sensitivity (89%) and
negative predictive value (NPV) (50%) followed by MAC
ELISA on acute serum and CSF which had similar
sensitivity (84%) and NPV (40%). The IF test to detect JE
virus antigen in CSF cells was least sensitive (58%) but
the distinct advantage of this test was that it could be
completed in about 2-3 h13. The MAC ELISA can be
performed using finger-prick blood specimens. Therefore,
MAC ELISA and IF tests are particularly appropriate in
JE surveillance programmes.

Vector surveillance
Vector abundance and vector infection are two im­
portant parameters in vector surveillance. A simple Dusk
Index (DI) defined as a product of the average number of
vector females per man-hour in dusk collections and pro­
portion parous, has been developed which can be used for
monitoring vector abundance. In a study in Thanjakoor,
near Madurai, significant human-biting activity was not
observed when the value of DI was less than 50 parous
females per man hour14. However, DI needs further vali­
dation in different epidemiological situations.

. Ah antigen capture ELISA for detection of JE virus in
wild-caught mosquito has been recently validated in a
large-scale field trial in South Arcot district6. This rapid
screening system is particularly appropriate as a surveil­
lance tool. Laboratory and field studies showed that JE
virus antigerrcan be detected in desiccated mosquitoes by
ELISA. Therefore dried specimens of vectors collected
36

from the peripheral surveillance stations can now be sent
by mail to the Central Laboratory for testing for JE virus.
A project has been initiated in order to establish a
surveillance network for JE in Tamil Nadu, utilizing the 4
Zonal Entomological Teams in JE prone areas (Trichy,
Cuddalore, Madurai and Virudhunagar). Peripheral health
workers have been trained in JE vector taxonomy,
determining vector density and submitting dried mosquito
materials to CRME for detection of JE virus. From March
1996 to February 1998, of 200 pools of dried mosquito
specimens submitted by these teams 3 were found positive
for JE virus antigen by ELISA.

Sentinel animals
Pigs are the natural hosts of JE virus and can therefore
serve as sensitive sentinel animals. But, being amplifying
hosts for JE virus, introduction of non-immune pigs to V
endemic areas as sentinels is unethical. Further, being very
sensitive to JE virus infection, the pig may serve as a sen­
sitive indicator of JE virus activity in a given area, but it
may not be a good predictor of the risk to humans of JE
virus infection15. Other common domestic animals, such
as cattle and goats have been found to be positive for JE
antibodies after natural JE virus infections16. Moreover,
JE virus does not multiply in them and therefore may be
safely used as sentinels. But, cattle are large, difficult to
handle, and the owners do not allow them to be bled. On
the other hand, goats are small, can be easily handled and
collection of blood is not a problem. Therefore, the CRME
has commenced a study to examine whether goats can serve
as natural sentinels for JE virus activity in Cuddalore dis­
trict. After the transmission season of 1997,35 of 100 goats
examined were found to be positive for HI antibodies to
JE virus. It is proposed to follow a cohort of goats to de- A
termine seroconversion rates in different seasons.
Conclusions

In India millions of children are exposed to JE virus
infection each year in endemic areas and hundreds of them
suffer from JE. JE is a vaccine preve'ntable disease but,
unfortunately there has been no national policy on vacci­
nation against JE. This is partly because there is a lack of
epidemiological data from different endemic areas which
can focus on the gravity of situation. Epidemics of JE con­
tinue to occur in different parts of the country and the dis­
ease is spreading to newer areas. But, epidemic-prone states
have no plans to set up effective surveillance systems which
are urgently needed to monitor JE activity. It is essential
that appropriate control measures are taken based on sound

knowledge of epidemiology and surveillance strategies,
so that the disease can be controlled.

9.

Dhanda, V., Thenmozhi, V., Kumar, N.P., Hiriyanj J.,
Arunachalam, N., Balasubramanian, A., Ilan go, A. and Gajanana,
A. Virus isolation from wild-caught mosquitoes during a Japa­
nese encephalitis outbreak in Kerala in 1996. Indian J Med Res
106:4, 1997.

10.

Chakravarty, S.K., Chakraborty, A.K., Mukherjee, K.K., Mitra,
A.C., Hati, A.K. and Chakraborty, M.S. Isolation of Japanese en­
cephalitis (JE) virus from Mansonia annulifera species of mos­
quitoes in Assam. Bull Cal Sch Trop Med 129: 3, 1981.

11.

Mourya, D.T., Ilkal, M.A., Mishra, A.C., George, J.P., Pant, U.,
Ramanujam, S., Mavale, M.S., Bhat, H.R. and Dhanda, V. Isola­
tion of Japanese encephalitis virus from mosquitoes collected in
Karnataka state, India during 1985-1987. Trans R Soc Trop Med
Hyg 53:550, 1989.

12.

Japanese Encephalitis in India: Information Document. National
Institute of Virology, Pune, p 6, 1980.

13.

Gajanana, A., Philip Samuel, P., Thenmozhi, V. and Rajendran,
R. An appraisal of some recent diagnostic assays for Japanese
encephalitis. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 27:673,
1996.

References
1.

Mohan Rao, C.V.R., Risbud, A.R., Rodrigues, F.M., Pinto, B.D.
and Joshi, G.D. The 1981 epidemic of Japanese encephalitis in
Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Indian J Med Res 87: 417,1988.

2.

Gajanana, A., Thenmozhi, V., Philip Samuel, P. and Reuben, R.
A community-based study of subclinical flavivirus infections in
children in an area of Tamil Nadu, India, where Japanese encepha­
litis is endemic. Bull WHO 73 :237,1995.
Hammon, W. McD, Tigertt, W.D., Sather, G.E., Berge, T.O. and
Meik Lejohn, G. Epidemiologic studies of concurrent “Virgin”
epidemics of Japanese B encephalitis and mumps on Guam, 19471948 with subsequent observations including dengue through 1957.
Am J Trop Med Hyg 7:441, 1958. .

3.

4.

Grossman, R.A., Edelman, R. and Gould, D.J. Study of Japanese
encephalitis virus in Chiangmai Valley, Thailand. VI. Summary
and conclusions. Am J Epidemiol 100:69, 1974.

5.

Gourie-Devi, M. Clinical aspects and experience in the manage­
ment of Japanese encephalitis patients. In : Proceedings of the
National Conference on Japanese Encephalitis. Indian Council
of Medical Research, New Delhi, p 25, 1984.

14.

Mani, T.R., Mohan Rao, C.V.R., Rajendran, R., Devaputra, M.,
Prasanna, Y., Hanumaiah, Gajanana A. and Reuben, R. Surveil­
lance for Japanese encephalitis in villages near Madurai, Tamil
Nadu, India. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 85 :287, 1991.

6.

Gajanana, A., Rajendran, R., Philip Samuel, P., Thenmozhi, V.,
Tsai, T.F., Kimura-Kuroda, J. and Reuben, R. Japanese encepha­
litis in South Arcot district, Tamil Nadu, India : A three-year longitudinal study of vector abundance and infection frequency. J
Med Entomol 34: 651, 1997.

15.

Peiris, J.S.M., Amerasinghe, F.P. Arunagiri C.K., Perera, L.D.,
Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Ratnayake, C.B., Kulatilaka, T.H. and
Abeysinghe, M.R.N. Japanese encephalitis in Srilanka : Compari­
son of vector and virus ecology in different agro-dimatic areas.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 87: 541, 1993.

7.

Dhanda, V., Mourya, D.T., Mishra, A.C., Ilkal, M.A., Pant, U.,
George, J.P. and Bhat, H.R. Japanese encephalitis virus infection
in mosquitoes reared from field-collected immatures and in wild-*
caught males. Am J Trop Med Hyg 41: 732, 1989.

16.

Rodrigues, F.M. Epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis in India :
A brief overview. In : Proceedings ofthe National Conference on
Japanese Encephalitis. Indian Council of Medical Research, New
Delhi, p 1, 1984.

8.

Reuben, R. and Gajanana, A. Japanese encephalitis in India. In­
dian J Pediatr 64:243, 1997.

This article has been contributed by Dr. A. Gajanana, Office-inCharge, Centre for Research in Medical Entomology, Madurai.

'

ABSTRACTS
Some Research Projects Completed Recently
Role of some non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs in
carcinogenesis.
The study was carried out in male weanling inbred
Swiss mice to evaluate the role of non-steroidal anti­
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) viz. piroxican, diclofenac
and naproxen in carcinogenesis. The animals were fed the
NSAIDs through diet. For mechanistic studies the doses
ofdiclofenac, naproxan and piroxican were 25,75 and 375
ppm; 150, 500 and 1500 ppm; and 3, 10 and 30 ppm
respectively for 4 weeks. For tumour studies the highest
doses of the NSAIDs were used with carcinogen
Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in the dose of 80 mg/kg body
wt. at 4 weekly intervals thrice.

Diclofenac in a dose of 375 ppm in the diet inhibited
NDEA induced lung tumourigenesis by acting at the
initiation and post-initiation phases of carcinogenesis,
whereas naproxen in a dose of 1500 ppm stimulated the
promotional phase of carcinogenesis.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which is the rate
limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine biosynthesis
required for tumour promotion and cell proliferation in
various organs, was inhibited by diclofenac and piroxican,
but was stimulated by naproxen indicating that this enzyme
is a good marker for tumourigenesis and for agents with
anticarcinogenic properties.
37

Prostaglandin E2 release, which is involved in
inflammation and tumour promotion, was decreased to a
variable degree in plasma, liver and lung by all three
NSAIDs tested; diclofenac being the strongest, and
naproxen the weakest inhibitor. Diclofenac and piroxican
slowed down the NADPH and ascorbate dependent
microsomal lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro, whereas
naproxen at a concentration of 10 mM stimulated the
process. It seems that besides being a scavenger of free
radicals, enzymatic metabolism of naproxen at higher
concentration formed reactive intermediates/free radicals
which exceeded its scavenging capacity. The feeding of
NSAIDs to mice inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation
and stimulated the tissue antioxidant defense system
comprising superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione
peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione.
It also resulted in the decrease in cytochrome P-450 levels.

Increased activities of glutathione-s-transferase,
glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione by NSAIDs
may detoxify the xenobiotics more efficiently. The
enhanced levels of reduced glutathione, in addition may
provide protection to tissues against the damaging action
of free radicals.
The enhanced tumourigenesis and ODC levels
produced by naproxen requires further evaluation for its
safety.
K.L. Khanduja
Department of Biophysics
Postgraduate Institute of
Medical Eduction and Research
Chandigarh

Evaluation of intra-ocular lens implantation in
children.

Intra-ocular lens (IQL) implantation was evaluated in
75 eyes of 45 patients aged 14 months to 12 yr, with
congenital, traumatic and developmental cataracts. Of the
75 eyes, 30 eyes were from 15 patients with congenital
cataract, 15 from 15 patients with traumatic cataract and
30 from 15 patients with developmental cataract. For
comparison 15 eyes (4 with congenital, 6 with traumatic
and 5 with developmental cataracts) had surgery without
IOL implantation (aphakic eyes). Eyes with associated
systemic or ocular pathologies (other than amblyopia and
strabismus) likely to affect visual prognosis later were
excluded from the study.*
38

Posterior chamber intra-ocular lenses in the range of
+20 to +24 D were implanted after computerized power
calculation keeping the amblyopia factor and prospective
adulthood refraction in mind, and managing the school
age children with low powered bifocals
IOL implantation was found to be difficult in children
compared to adults. Pseudophakes were found to have
distinct advantages of better quality good binocular vision
compared to aphakes who suffered from problems of
magnification, disorientation, cosmetic blemish, field
restrictions, anisometeropia and diplopia caused by aphakic
correction. Problems of poor compliance, corneal
complications and costly replacements seen with contact
lens use were also eliminated with IOL implantation.
Placement of the IOL in the bag is close to the physiological
and anatomical positions of the natural lens and hence
comparatively safe.

Intra-operative problem of scleral collapse in children
was managed by application of Fleringa’s ring under
general anaesthesia. Post-operative severe uveitis
responded to frequent administration of steroid drops for
8 to 12 weeks as well as oral steroids in the first week.
Pupillary capture in 80% cases of cataract was prevented
by keeping the pupil mid dilated. Over 86% of patients
showed early after cataract (post capsular thickening)
which responded to early YAG-laser capsulotomy in
children aged above 5 yr, while this complication could
be handled by secondary discission within 6 months of
surgery in the a’ge group below 5 yr. Best results were
obtained in 14% of patients where primary post
capsulotomy/rhexis with anterior vitrectomy was done
followed by IOL implantation.
It can thus be concluded that IOL implantation is a
safe and effective aphakic rehabilitation' method in the
management of developmental and congenital cataracts
as also in the case of traumatic cataract. However, the final
visual outcome in traumatic cataract depends upon the
amount of damage that had occurred to various ocular
structures due to the injury.
Visual recovery may be further improved and rate of
complications reduced by lowering of intra-ocular pressure
preoperatively, use of scleral support to prevent scleral
collapse, control of iritis and maintaining pupillary
mobility, promt management of posterior capsular
opacification along with vigorous amblyopia therapy.
Arun Baveja
D.P. Vats
Army Hospital
Delhi

ICMR NEWS
The following meetings of various technical groups/
committees of the Council were held:
Meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC):

A seminar on Situation Analysis of HIV and
Drug Abuse in the NE Region was organised at the
Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh (April 6-8,
1998).

April 2,1998
(at Jammu)

Participation of ICMR Scientists in Scientific Events:

SAC of the Centre for Advanced
Research on Standardization,
Quality Control and Formulation
of Traditional Remedies/Natural
Products, Jammu

Meetings of the Expert Group (EG)/Project Review
Committee (PRC) and Annual Review Meetings held
at New Delhi:

Meeting on Situation Analysis
of HIV and Drug Abuse in the
NE Region

March 24, 1998

EG on Scientometric Studies

March 25, 1998

Annual Review Meetings on
Traditional Remedies for
(i) Bronchial asthma and
(ii) Diabetes mellitus

March 25, 1998

PRC on Tuberculosis, Leprosy,
Viral Diseases and other Microbial
Infections

April 15, 1998

Dr. T. Adak, Asstt. Director, Malaria Research Centre
(MRC), Delhi, participated in the Workshop on Validation
ofthe Membrane Feeding Assay as a Tool for Development
of Malaria Transmission - Blocking Vaccines at Bamako,
Mali (March 21-28, 1998).

Dr. N.K. Ganguly, Director-General, ICMR, partici­
pated in the Indo-French Seminar on New Opportunities
in Molecular Technologies at Bangalore (March 26-27,
1998).
Dr. N.K. Ganguly, D.G., ICMR, Dr. V.P. Sharma,
Director, MRC, Delhi and Dr. S.K. Bhattacharya,
Director, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric
Diseases, Calcutta, participated in the III International
Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in the
Pacific Rim at Bali (March 28-30, 1998).

Dr. Aruna Srivastava, Asstt. Director, MRC, Delhi,
participated in the G1S’98/RT’98 International Conference
at Toronto (April 6-8, 1998).

♦♦♦

Workshop/Seminar

A workshop on Cancer Registration under the National
Cancer Registry Programme was organised at the Cancer
Institute, Chennai (April 2-4,1998).

***

***

Dr. B.N. Saxena, Additional Director-General, ICMR
and Chief, Division of Reproductive Health and Nutrition,
retired on March 31, 1998.

COUNCIL’S TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR 1998-99

Leprosy

Reproductive Biology

At the Central JALMA Institutefor Leprosy, Agra:

At the Institute for Research in Reproduction, Mumbai:

•

Multidrug Therapy Orientation Course in Leprosy for
Medical Officers (April 6-17, August 17-28, October
. 26-November 6; and December 7-18, 1998).

Virology
At the National Institute of Virology, Pune:

•

Diploma in Medical Virology (July 1998-May 1999).

•

Workshop on Andrology for Clinicians (November 1630, 1998)

Endocrinology
At the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad:

•

Annual Certificate Course on Endocrinological Tech­
niques and their Applications (August 1-September
15, 1998).
39

Nutrition

Occupational Health

At the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad:

At the National Institute of Occupational Health,
Ahmedabad:

•

M.Sc. in Applied Nutrition (June 1,1998-February 28,1999).

•

Postgraduate Certificate Course in Nutrition (Decem­
ber 1, 1998-February 28,1999).

Training Course on Environmental Hygiene Practice
(November 16-20, J 998).
Biomedical Statistics
•

Laboratory Animal Technology

At thefnfiitutefor Research in Medical Statistics, Chennai:

At the National Centre for Laboratory Animal Science,
National Institute ofNutrition, Hyderabad:

•

Basic Course in Statistics for Postgraduate Medical
Students (July 1998).

Training Course for Laboratory Animal Technicians
(June 16-July 31, 1998).

•

Basic Course in Statistics for Medical Officers
(November 1998).

•

INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
Grant-in-aid for organising Seminars/Symposia/Workshops
The Council provides partial financial assistance for organising Seminars/Symposia/Workshops.
Applications for grant of financial assistance (complete in all respects in the prescribed proforma), will
be considered only if furnished at least four months before the date of commencement of the
Seminar/Symposium/Workshop, etc.

EDITORIAL BOARD
Members
Dr. Bela Shah
Dr. Lal it Kant

Chairman
Dr. N.K. Ganguly
Director-General

Editor „
Dr. N. Medappa
Printed and Published by Shri J.N. Mathur for the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
at the ICMR Offset Press, New Delhi-110 029
R.N. 21813/71

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