Department of Microbiology

     Amid growing concerns over the spread of Monkeypox around the globe, the Microbiologists Society, India (Chandigarh) organized a Panel discussion on the topic “Monkeypox a current threat”. Prof. Haris M. Khan (Chairman, Department of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh) and Dr. Hiba Sami (Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh) participated as  Expert panelists in the discussion.

The Department of Microbiology in association with Makeintern and E cell of IIT Kharagpur organized a hands on workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare on 25th August 2022. Prof. Haris M Khan welcomed the participants and emphasized that AI can play a crucial role in global public health as a tool for combatting epidemics and pandemics as well as in routine health care. Prof. Rakesh Bhargava said that  Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. The term may also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with a human mind such as learning and problem-solving. The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal.  AI has proven to be very fruitful in analyzing X rays especially during Covid times. .

Dr. Puneet Kacker, Functional and Industry Analytics Manager, Applied Intelligence, Strategy and Consulting, Accenture sensitized the participants regarding AI followed by a hands on brainstorming workshop. Dr. Fatima Khan, Faculty Coordinator, presented the vote of thanks.

We are pleased to inform that Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology, JNMCH has been accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) in accordance with ISO 15189:2012 for Molecular testing of SARS – CoV-2 (COVID-19). NABL accreditation is a rigorous process which ensures the Quality of testing and procedures. The accreditation needs to be renewed every 2 years and includes periodical surveillance by the NABL to monitor the quality management of the testing laboratory. VRDL- Department of Microbiology, JNMCH has done the Covid-19 RT-PCR Testing of More than 5 Lakh patients till date.



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In a yearly reminder about hand washing as one of the best steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs; faculty members, resident doctors and students connected with the Hospital Infection Control Committee, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the Hospital Infection Society - India, Aligarh Chapter and the Cultural Education Centre (CEC) observed the ‘Global Hand Hygiene Day’.

On the occasion, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor released a special documentary to pay homage to the pioneer of antiseptic procedures, Dr Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis, showing his work on the importance of hand washing for medical professionals.

“Hand hygiene is the first step in preventing cross-transmission of microorganisms, which can help in prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections. The entire world is, in fact, emphasizing the importance of hand washing since the COVID outbreak”, said Prof Mansoor.  

He added: There is a need to create awareness on how the notion of hygiene is built on the relationship between cleanliness and the maintenance of good health.

Prof Rakesh Bhargava (Dean, Faculty of Medicine) administered the ‘Semmelweis Oath’ (Hand Hygiene Pledge).

In the welcome address, Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui (Principal, JNMC) apprised faculty members and students about the activities of Hospital Infection Control Committee and HISI Aligarh Chapter.

He also spoke about the training imparted to faculty, resident doctors, nurses, students and other healthcare workers to curb the Covid pandemic.  

Prof Haris M Khan (President HISI Aligarh Chapter and Medical Superintendent) extended the vote of thanks.

Dr Fatima Khan (Secretary HISI Aligarh Chapter) conducted the program.

A vaccination camp against Hepatitis B for the interns was also organized to mark the occasion.  

• Springer Publishes Book “Beta-Lactam Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria: Threats and Challenges” Edited by Prof. Mohammad Shahid (Ex-Faculty, Dept. of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU), Dr. Hiba Sami, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU and Dr. Anuradha Singh, Research Assistant, Dept. of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU. The Book Covers different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Gram Negative Bacteria. Discusses the genetic basis of resistance and the various antibiotic resistant genes and Provides information about current reserve drugs and newer antibiotic agents in pipeline

“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Celebrating the 75 years of India’s independence, the Department of Microbiology, J. N. Medical College, organized a program which included a Quiz competition for faculty and students, on the theme of India’s struggle for Independence.

Prof. Haris M. Khan, Chairman Department of Microbiology inaugurated the program and in his enlightening words, stressed on the importance of Honesty and dedication towards our professional jobs, work and personnel lives.

Miss Nandini Sharma (Student, BMLS) spoke on the history and evolution of the design of Indian Tricolor (The National flag of India).Dr. Mohd. Najmul Islam conducted the program.

Prof Rakesh Bhargava (Dean, Faculty of Medicine) pressed for the need to raise awareness among common people about the dangers of Hepatitis—a severe liver disease that can be caused due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. He also discussed the prevalence of exposure of healthcare workers to various viruses, including Hepatitis.

While speaking on the safety of health care workers, Prof Haris M Khan (Medical Superintendent) pointed out: “Healthcare workers have a high risk of occupational exposure to many diseases, but these transmissible infections are preventable by vaccination.”   

Dr. Husaini S Haider Mehdi, Dr. Ahmad Ansari, and Dr. Asfia Sultan conducted various sessions in the clinical workshop. Dr. Bhanu Chaudhary engaged in a Clinical Case Scenario based discussion with the participants. Mukul Verma and Dr. Ritik Garg spoke about Needlestick injuries and steps to avoid such incidences. In the quiz contest, MBBS 2019 batch students Mohammad Kamran and Mustafa Shamsi bagged the first and second prizes, respectively; also, Medical and dental students performed a skit on Hepatitis prevention. Prof Haris with Dr. Fatima Khan also felicitated the speakers with certificates. Dr. Lakhan Prakash Gupta extended the vote of thanks.

>>>Video Link Of the Skit performed by students

October 15 is celebrated as Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of hand-washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The theme of this year’s global hand-washing day is hand-washing food and nutrition. On this occasion, the HISI Aligarh Chapter organized the Hygienesia Fair, where the MBBS students put up stalls and disseminated the message of hand hygiene and associated it with the importance of clean, hygienic, and nutritious food.

   The Fair was Inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Hamida Tariq, an eminent pediatrician and president of the women’s club of AMU. She said that the HISI Aligarh Chapter has always made efforts to celebrate this day and disseminate the message of hand hygiene clearly and loudly. The Guest of Honour, Prof. Naima Gulrez, visited the stalls along with the chief guest and said that consistency in following hand hygiene has been her Mantra since COVID times and urged others to follow the same to prevent the transmission of infection.

   Dr. Fatima Khan, Secretary of HISI Aligarh Chapter, said that Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at all times.

   Prof. Rakesh Bhargava, Dean Principal, and CMS JNMCH applauded the efforts of HISI Aligarh Chapter.

   Prof. Haris M Khan, President of HISI Aligarh Chapter and Chairman Department of Microbiology, appreciated the efforts of the undergraduate students. The students also presented a skit to spread the message of hand hygiene.

   Dr. Nazish Fatima, Dr. Adil Raza, Dr. Asfia Sultan, Dr. Hiba Sami, Dr. Anees Akhtar, and Dr. Shariq Ahmed, Department of Microbiology, were also present. The stalls were judged by Prof. Farah Ghaus, Department of Anatomy, Prof. Shaista Afroz, Department of Prosthodontics, Dr. Anwar Hasan Siddique, Department of Physiology, and Dr. Syed Mohd. Danish Qasim Department of Radiodiagnosis, based on their appearance, delivery of the theme, and innovation in food and games. The team Healthy Hangouts of MBBS 2021 Batch was declared the winner.



To acknowledge the relentless and dedicated work of the staff involved in COVID-19 Testing at Department of Microbiology. JNMC, Aligarh "Felicitation of our own COVID Warriors" was done to mark the 02 Lakhs Real-Time RT-PCR tests performed till date at the Centre. The occasion was graced by the presence of Principal and CMS JNMCH, Prof. Shahid Ali Siddiqui and Chairman Dept. of Microbiology and Medical Superintendent , Prof. Haris M. Khan.

The Faculty of Medicine and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) fraternity today mourned the sad demise of Prof Ashok Bal (Former officiating Vice Chancellor; Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Member, Department of Microbiology) after a brief illness. He will be remembered for numerous contributions to the university and for his caring and compassionate larger-than-life personality.

HIV Testing Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, JNMC has been an NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) for HIV testing since 2016. NABL accreditation is a rigorous process which ensures the Quality of testing and procedures. The accreditation needs to be renewed every 2 years and includes periodical surveillance by the NABL to monitor the quality management of the testing laboratory.

To combat pandemic Covid-19 more effectively, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), AMU has purchased a real time RT-PCR machine,  with the installation of a new machine the testing capacity has augmented considerably.

The Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor today inaugurated the machine in presence of Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui, Principal, JNMC and Prof Haris M Khan, Medical Superintendent. Prof Tariq Mansoor said it will strengthen our fight against novel coronavirus, as the tests are crucial to flatten the spread of the virus. “Through QuantStudio 5 PCR, it is possible to detect the virus in a short period of time”, said Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui.

Giving boost to Diagnostic Facilities, a Virus Research and Diagnostic Lab (VRDL) was inaugurated at Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH) by Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Prof Tariq Mansoor.

Prof Indu Shukla (The Principal Investigator of the Project) said that there was shortage of laboratories for the diagnosis of viral diseases, to deal with this problem the department of health and research (DHR), which is an administrative arm of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) came up with an idea of opening VDRLs across the country.

The VDRL set up at the JNMCH will deal with a variety of viral diseases of public health importance like dengue, chikungunya, viral encephalitis, viral hepatitis, viral diarrhoea etc.

Principal and Dean JNMCH, Prof SC Sharma, Medical Superintendent Prof Haris M Khan, Chairman Department of Microbiology, Prof Shahid were also present at the inauguration.

https://amu.ac.in/news.jsp?did=3732

Aligarh, February 3: The Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in association with UP-UK Chapter of IAMM organized UP MICRON 2018 (14th Annual Conference of UP-UK Chapter of Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists) at the JNMC auditorium. In his address the Chief Guest Professor Tariq Mansoor (AMU Vice Chancellor) congratulated the Organizing Committee for the event. He said that department of Microbiology has produced many stalwarts and we need many more as the Medical Microbiology is passing through a transition where automation and machines are replacing the needs of persons in the laboratory for performing tests.

He emphasized that the present situation demands a transition from laboratory microbiologists to clinical microbiologists and an early prevention, diagnosis and treatment is imperative.

He showed confidence that such conferences provide a forum for studying latest diagnostic technologies, epidemiology of emerging infection and spread of multi-drug resistant organisms.

The Guest of the Honor Prof. Niyaz Ahmed (Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Awardee and Sr. Director, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Dhaka, Bangladesh), Started his address quoting Dr. Louis Pasteur,  Remember our aim: Find the microbe - kill the microbe. But still microbes will have the last laugh.

He said that Microbiologists have a significant role to play in the management of the patient care. Infectious diseases continue to affect and inflict millions of people in our country every year.

Showing confidence he added that such deliberations made during the conference would help participants to remain abreast with the latest development in the fast changing arena of microbial biology and ecology as applicable to medicine and clinics.

Secretary of IAMM, UP UK Chapter, Dr. Ujjala Ghousal said, Line Probe Assay & Real time PCR would provide a great platform for students and researchers to learn these techniques and share their ideas. She added: Infectious diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This conference and workshop has provide an able platform for scientific deliberation and facilitate exchange of knowledge to equip participating microbiologists and scientists with better understanding of various infectious diseases, their pathogenesis, epidemiology as well as newer approaches for diagnosis.

The President of UP-UK Chapter of IAMM, Prof Kashi Nath Prasad, said: such conferences are very pertinent in Expanding Research Facets of Microbiology- from Bench to Practice, in the present context when the microbiologists are longer confined only to the laboratory benches. He added, it is essential for the doctors to regularly enhance and upgrade their knowledge for providing better treatment to the patients. Conferences and Seminars assist the doctors in achieving these objectives and it is paramount to create antibiotic awareness campaign, He added

The Dean and Principal of JNMCH Prof. S C Sharma in his address, said: Infectious diseases continue to kill millions every year. I am sure the theme Expanding research facets of Microbiology: From Bench to Practice highlighted by the experts in the field during the conference is beneficial for all the participants to improve their knowledge and skills

In his welcome address Organizing Chairman Prof Mohd Shahid, said: Infectious diseases continue to affect millions of people every year. The incidence of emerging infectious diseases in humans has increased within the recent past or threatens to increase in the near future. Developing countries such as India suffer disproportionately from the burden of infectious diseases given the confluence of existing environmental, socio-economic, and demographic factors. He added, such conferences are very useful in current context and help to improve learning and teaching process. During the deliberation there was also an award ceremony were Prof UC Chaturvedi Oration Award was given to Dr. Gopal Nath by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Tariq Mansoor. Retired Professor Mithlesh Agarwal and Prof Abida Malik were also felicitated for their services on the occasion.

The Organizing Secretary Dr. Nazish Fatima paid vote of thanks on behalf of the organizing committee. She said, very purpose of the conference was to raise awareness among the young microbiologists on the recent advances in the field of Medical Microbiology. This conference and workshop has exhibited latest and exciting innovations in all areas of Medical Microbiology research which offers a unique opportunity for investigators across North India to meet, network, and perceive new scientific innovations

The Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University organized extension lectures on H1N1 (swine flu) on 9th March, 2015.

Dr. Raman Sardana, Senior Consultant Microbiologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi & Secretary Hospital Infection Society of India, in his lecture emphasized on Diagnosis & Containment of H1N1. Dr. Sudha Kansal, Senior Consultant & Coordinator ICU, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, discussed elaborately the Clinical Case Management of H1N1. Earlier during the inauguration, the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Shahjahan Bano, welcomed the guest speakers Dr. Raman Sardana and Dr. Sudha Kansal. The Principal & Chief Medical Superintendent Prof. Tariq Mansoor said that concrete and practical points should be highlighted so that we can prepare ourselves for such pandemics. Prof. Haris M Khan, Chairman Dept. of Microbiology, presented the vote of thanks..

The Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College organized a National Symposium on Hospital Acquired Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance

The renowned microbiologist Professor Umesh Chandra Chaturvedi, MD, MRC Path, FAMS, FASc, FNASC, FAAM (USA), FRC Path (Lond) , Indian National science Academy (INSA) honorary scientist and Scientific Consultant with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) , Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health of Government of India, visited the Department Of Microbiology , J.N.Medical College, A.M.U on 08 October 2014. He met the Principal, Prof Tariq Mansoor, The Dean Prof Shahjahan Bano and the faculty members of varied departments. He had come expressly for the purpose of assessing the feasibility of establishing a viral diagnostic laboratory under the aegis of Department of Health Laboratories through ICMR. He inspected the facilities available in the department of Microbiology, and was deeply appreciative of the research being conducted in the department.

Training of Technical staff of central sterilization unit was undertake in the Department of Microbiology. Assistant Professors and senior Residents of the Department actively participated as the resource persons.

Practical course on the Rapid Molecular Detection of M. tuberculosis and its Resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin by PCR-based Line Probe Assay (LPA) -Hands on Training in LPA was successfully conducted from 19 To 24 August 2014 in the Department of Microbiology. The aim of this exercise was to train the technical staff of the newly established LPA Laboratory and make them adept to the molecular detection of M. tuberculosis and its resistance to first line Anti-tubercular antibiotics. Dr. Rajneesh Tripathi, Microbiologist (FIND), IMS, BHU Varanasi and Dr. Nazish Fatima, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh were the resource persons . Five candidates received training. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants in the presence of Prof Tariq Mansoor; Principal and CMS, JN Medical College, Prof Haris M Khan; Chaiman Department of Microbiology ,Prof Indu Shukla and the Faculty a& technical staff of the Department.

2013, Jan 1 The State Reference Laboratory (SRL), Department of Microbiology, JN Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University organized a workshop on External Quality Assurance Program under the National AIDS Control Organization.

Prof. Abida Malik, Incharge, State Reference Laboratory said that the workshop included lectures and extensive interactive sessions and focused on rectifying the lacunae in Quality Control of HIV Testing and Reporting and Strengthening ELISA Laboratories of Blood Banks by providing ELISA training to ICTCs and Blood Bank Lab Technicians of District Hospitals.

Prof. Malik said that a total of 26 participants of various ICTCs, PPTCTs and Blood Banks from 7 districts including Aligarh, Bulandshahar, Badaun, Bareilly, Etah, Kashiram Nagar and Pilibhit. She said that the workshop laid emphasis on accurate performance of tests, preparation of Quality Control Worksheets using kit inserts/guidelines, HIV reporting on new ICTC/PPTCT HIV test reporting format, detection of HIV infection, HIV testing protocols and strategies, collection, storage and transport of blood sample for HIV testing, equipment maintenance and calibration, common errors, causes and trouble shooting, bio-safety practical considerations, inventory/stock management and document control. The workshop succeeded in fielding the message that HIV testing must be performed accurately and should be documented using NACO guide lines of Quality Control and Quality Assurance.

Prof. Malik said that coded samples were given to the participant for HIV proficiency testing. The HIV test of the given samples will be performed in their respective labs and the report will be sent back to the SRL, Aligarh for assessment. A Pre and Post assessment was also conducted. The workshop concluded with EQA activities and a quiz.