Background Respiratory viral illnesses among children are a prominent cause of morbidity and mort... more Background Respiratory viral illnesses among children are a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The aim of this study is to understand the seasonal pattern and surge of respiratory viruses among the Nicobarese tribe. Methods Respiratory specimens were collected from both ARI and SARI cases attended the BJR district hospital in Car Nicobar Island, India, between 2021 and 2022. Respiratory viruses were identified from the specimens by using the qRT-PCR assay. Meteorological parameters were collected and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 21. The significant association between the surge of respiratory viruses and each climatic parameter was evaluated. Results In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 471 ILI cases were enrolled, and 209 of these were positive for respiratory viral infections. Of these respiratory virus infections, 201 (96.2%) were infected with a single respiratory virus infection, and 8 (3.8%) had mixed viral infections. Fever, cough, and chills were the most common symptoms of respiratory illness among this indigenous population. There was a significant link between respiratory viruses and influenza-like illness in children (below 5 years and 6 to 15 years). Conclusion This prevalence study revealed that viral respiratory infections were more common in children than adults. Among these respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV) and influenza B virus were predomi nantly reported among tribal children up to age five years. In the year 2021, these viruses were recorded frequently during the winter season. Climate factors such as high humidity, high precipitation, moderate temperature, and mod erate rainfall are found to be correlated with respiratory viral infections. This study implicates important information for preventing a further outbreak of respiratory viral infections in Car Nicobar Island.
IntroductionThe Indian Council of Medical Research has set up a nationwide network of 28 laborato... more IntroductionThe Indian Council of Medical Research has set up a nationwide network of 28 laboratories for simultaneous surveillance of influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in ILI/SARI patients, using an in-house developed and validated multiplex real-time RTPCR assay. The aim of this study was to ensure the quality of testing by these laboratories by implementing an external quality assessment program (EQAP).MethodsFor this EQAP, a proficiency test (PT) panel comprising tissue-culture or egg-grown influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 was developed. The PT panel was distributed to all the participant laboratories, which tested the panel and submitted the qualitative results online to the EQAP provider. The performance of the laboratories was evaluated on qualitative criteria but cycle threshold (Ct) values were also gathered for each sample.ResultsOn a qualitative basis, all the laboratories achieved the criteria of 90% concordance with the results of the PT panel provider. Ct values of differen...
Eight lepidopteran cell lines were established recently and their susceptibility to different ins... more Eight lepidopteran cell lines were established recently and their susceptibility to different insect viruses was studied. Two Spodoptera litura cell lines from the larval and pupal ovaries, were found highly susceptible to S. litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SLNPV, 5-6 x 10(6) NPV/ml). The Helicoverpa armigera cell line from the embryonic tissue was highly susceptible to H. armigera NPV (HaNPV, 6.3 x 10(6) NPV/ml). These in vitro grown SLNPV and HaNPV caused 100% mortality to respective 2nd instar larvae. The susceptibility of the cryo-preserved cell lines to respective baculoviruses (SLNPV/HaNPV) was studied and no significant difference in their susceptibility status was observed. The cultures could grow as suspension culture on shakers and may find application for in vitro production of wild type/recombinant baculoviruses as bio-insecticides. S. litura and Bombyx mori cell lines from larval ovaries, were highly susceptible to Autographa californica NPV (5.5 x 10(6) NPV/ml) and ...
A new cell line has been established from larval hemocytes of the moth, S. litura (tobacco cut wo... more A new cell line has been established from larval hemocytes of the moth, S. litura (tobacco cut worm). It took 147 days to form a monolayer and one year for the first 17 passages. At present, the culture is at 86th passage level and is designated NIV-SU-1095. Three cell types could be distinguished, viz. plasmatocytes (53%), prohemocytes (36%) and granular hemocytes (11%). The chromosome number was very high, 74% metaphase cells showed more than 100 chromosomes. The cells could be cryopreserved. The cells were susceptible to the baculoviruses, Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus and S. litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SLNPV). Plaques could be observed on 7th post infection day with SLNPV. Six cloned cell lines have been developed of which clone II-1F was more sensitive to both the baculoviruses compared to the original cell line.
The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health, 2005
Two major factors, higher temperatures and the application of insecticides, can drastically alter... more Two major factors, higher temperatures and the application of insecticides, can drastically alter the genetic structure of a vector mosquito population. Due to these two stresses, the majority of the population gets wiped out, but the ones that withstand the stress and survive are likely to pass on survivability, and have an altered physiology. Our study shows that exposures to higher temperatures and DDT during the larval stage affects their susceptibility as adult mosquitoes to the DEN-2 virus. The overall transcription and translation status of heat shock protein (Hsp70) in virus high- and low-susceptible was the same as that in other batches. In the case of a DDT-resistant (R-7) strain two bands were obtained during RT-PCRs after heat shock. These two alleles were obtained only with HY-1 in which R-7 males were used for the crosses, suggesting that the second allele is probably male sex linked. The higher expression of Hsp70 may provide DDT-resistant strains a better chance of s...
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are among the most important etiological agents of acute gastroenterit... more Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are among the most important etiological agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). HAdVs found in 5.2% of children admitted for AGE between 2013 and 2016 in seven different hospitals across four cities of Western India. The dominance of subgroup-F (52.4%) strains was observed, followed by the occurrence of non-enteric adenoviruses of the subgroup A (17.4%), C (11.4%), B (8.2%), and D (3.2%). The subgroup-F strains were predominant in Ahmadabad (78.5%), Mumbai (61.5%), and Surat (57.1%) cities, followed by subgroup A strains. In Pune city, subgroup B and C strains were detected in 62.5% of AGE patients, with none of the subgroup A strains. Clinically, patients infected with enteric and non-enteric HAdV strains were indistinguishable from each other. However, a high viral load was observed in subgroup-F specimens as compared to non-subgroup-F. The study highlights the need for viral load estimation to ascertain the role of enteric and non-enteric HAdV strains ...
Host gene expression profiling in influenza A virus-infected lung epithelial (A549) cells: a comp... more Host gene expression profiling in influenza A virus-infected lung epithelial (A549) cells: a comparative analysis between highly pathogenic and modified H5N1 viruses
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces an acute infection of the central nervous system, the p... more Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces an acute infection of the central nervous system, the pathogenic mechanism of which is not fully understood. To investigate host response to JEV infection, 14-day-old mice were infected via the extraneural route, which resulted in encephalitis and death. Mice that received JEV immune splenocyte transfer were protected from extraneural JEV infection. Pathology and gene expression profiles were then compared in brains of mice that either succumbed to JEV infection or were protected from infection by JEV immune cell transfer. Mice undergoing progressive JEV infection had increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and signal transducers associated with the interferon (IFN) pathway. In contrast, mice receiving immune cell transfer had increased production of the Th2 cytokine IL-4, and of IL-10, with subdued expression of IFN-gamma. We observed IL-10 to be an important factor in determining clinical outcome in JEV infection. Data obtained by microarray analysis were further confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Together, these data suggest that JEV infection causes an unregulated inflammatory response that can be countered by the expression of immunomodulatory cytokines in mice that survive lethal infection.
Background Respiratory viral illnesses among children are a prominent cause of morbidity and mort... more Background Respiratory viral illnesses among children are a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The aim of this study is to understand the seasonal pattern and surge of respiratory viruses among the Nicobarese tribe. Methods Respiratory specimens were collected from both ARI and SARI cases attended the BJR district hospital in Car Nicobar Island, India, between 2021 and 2022. Respiratory viruses were identified from the specimens by using the qRT-PCR assay. Meteorological parameters were collected and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 21. The significant association between the surge of respiratory viruses and each climatic parameter was evaluated. Results In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 471 ILI cases were enrolled, and 209 of these were positive for respiratory viral infections. Of these respiratory virus infections, 201 (96.2%) were infected with a single respiratory virus infection, and 8 (3.8%) had mixed viral infections. Fever, cough, and chills were the most common symptoms of respiratory illness among this indigenous population. There was a significant link between respiratory viruses and influenza-like illness in children (below 5 years and 6 to 15 years). Conclusion This prevalence study revealed that viral respiratory infections were more common in children than adults. Among these respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV) and influenza B virus were predomi nantly reported among tribal children up to age five years. In the year 2021, these viruses were recorded frequently during the winter season. Climate factors such as high humidity, high precipitation, moderate temperature, and mod erate rainfall are found to be correlated with respiratory viral infections. This study implicates important information for preventing a further outbreak of respiratory viral infections in Car Nicobar Island.
IntroductionThe Indian Council of Medical Research has set up a nationwide network of 28 laborato... more IntroductionThe Indian Council of Medical Research has set up a nationwide network of 28 laboratories for simultaneous surveillance of influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in ILI/SARI patients, using an in-house developed and validated multiplex real-time RTPCR assay. The aim of this study was to ensure the quality of testing by these laboratories by implementing an external quality assessment program (EQAP).MethodsFor this EQAP, a proficiency test (PT) panel comprising tissue-culture or egg-grown influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 was developed. The PT panel was distributed to all the participant laboratories, which tested the panel and submitted the qualitative results online to the EQAP provider. The performance of the laboratories was evaluated on qualitative criteria but cycle threshold (Ct) values were also gathered for each sample.ResultsOn a qualitative basis, all the laboratories achieved the criteria of 90% concordance with the results of the PT panel provider. Ct values of differen...
Eight lepidopteran cell lines were established recently and their susceptibility to different ins... more Eight lepidopteran cell lines were established recently and their susceptibility to different insect viruses was studied. Two Spodoptera litura cell lines from the larval and pupal ovaries, were found highly susceptible to S. litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SLNPV, 5-6 x 10(6) NPV/ml). The Helicoverpa armigera cell line from the embryonic tissue was highly susceptible to H. armigera NPV (HaNPV, 6.3 x 10(6) NPV/ml). These in vitro grown SLNPV and HaNPV caused 100% mortality to respective 2nd instar larvae. The susceptibility of the cryo-preserved cell lines to respective baculoviruses (SLNPV/HaNPV) was studied and no significant difference in their susceptibility status was observed. The cultures could grow as suspension culture on shakers and may find application for in vitro production of wild type/recombinant baculoviruses as bio-insecticides. S. litura and Bombyx mori cell lines from larval ovaries, were highly susceptible to Autographa californica NPV (5.5 x 10(6) NPV/ml) and ...
A new cell line has been established from larval hemocytes of the moth, S. litura (tobacco cut wo... more A new cell line has been established from larval hemocytes of the moth, S. litura (tobacco cut worm). It took 147 days to form a monolayer and one year for the first 17 passages. At present, the culture is at 86th passage level and is designated NIV-SU-1095. Three cell types could be distinguished, viz. plasmatocytes (53%), prohemocytes (36%) and granular hemocytes (11%). The chromosome number was very high, 74% metaphase cells showed more than 100 chromosomes. The cells could be cryopreserved. The cells were susceptible to the baculoviruses, Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus and S. litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SLNPV). Plaques could be observed on 7th post infection day with SLNPV. Six cloned cell lines have been developed of which clone II-1F was more sensitive to both the baculoviruses compared to the original cell line.
The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health, 2005
Two major factors, higher temperatures and the application of insecticides, can drastically alter... more Two major factors, higher temperatures and the application of insecticides, can drastically alter the genetic structure of a vector mosquito population. Due to these two stresses, the majority of the population gets wiped out, but the ones that withstand the stress and survive are likely to pass on survivability, and have an altered physiology. Our study shows that exposures to higher temperatures and DDT during the larval stage affects their susceptibility as adult mosquitoes to the DEN-2 virus. The overall transcription and translation status of heat shock protein (Hsp70) in virus high- and low-susceptible was the same as that in other batches. In the case of a DDT-resistant (R-7) strain two bands were obtained during RT-PCRs after heat shock. These two alleles were obtained only with HY-1 in which R-7 males were used for the crosses, suggesting that the second allele is probably male sex linked. The higher expression of Hsp70 may provide DDT-resistant strains a better chance of s...
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are among the most important etiological agents of acute gastroenterit... more Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are among the most important etiological agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). HAdVs found in 5.2% of children admitted for AGE between 2013 and 2016 in seven different hospitals across four cities of Western India. The dominance of subgroup-F (52.4%) strains was observed, followed by the occurrence of non-enteric adenoviruses of the subgroup A (17.4%), C (11.4%), B (8.2%), and D (3.2%). The subgroup-F strains were predominant in Ahmadabad (78.5%), Mumbai (61.5%), and Surat (57.1%) cities, followed by subgroup A strains. In Pune city, subgroup B and C strains were detected in 62.5% of AGE patients, with none of the subgroup A strains. Clinically, patients infected with enteric and non-enteric HAdV strains were indistinguishable from each other. However, a high viral load was observed in subgroup-F specimens as compared to non-subgroup-F. The study highlights the need for viral load estimation to ascertain the role of enteric and non-enteric HAdV strains ...
Host gene expression profiling in influenza A virus-infected lung epithelial (A549) cells: a comp... more Host gene expression profiling in influenza A virus-infected lung epithelial (A549) cells: a comparative analysis between highly pathogenic and modified H5N1 viruses
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces an acute infection of the central nervous system, the p... more Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces an acute infection of the central nervous system, the pathogenic mechanism of which is not fully understood. To investigate host response to JEV infection, 14-day-old mice were infected via the extraneural route, which resulted in encephalitis and death. Mice that received JEV immune splenocyte transfer were protected from extraneural JEV infection. Pathology and gene expression profiles were then compared in brains of mice that either succumbed to JEV infection or were protected from infection by JEV immune cell transfer. Mice undergoing progressive JEV infection had increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and signal transducers associated with the interferon (IFN) pathway. In contrast, mice receiving immune cell transfer had increased production of the Th2 cytokine IL-4, and of IL-10, with subdued expression of IFN-gamma. We observed IL-10 to be an important factor in determining clinical outcome in JEV infection. Data obtained by microarray analysis were further confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Together, these data suggest that JEV infection causes an unregulated inflammatory response that can be countered by the expression of immunomodulatory cytokines in mice that survive lethal infection.
Uploads
Papers by Veena Vipat