NIE study on mapping mosquito-affected areas in Chennai to be completed in two months

Chennai:

The National Institute of Epidemiology, which has launched a study to help Chennai Corporation to curb Chkungunya and Dengue, will be completed in next two months, according to a highly place source.

Dr Sanjay Madhav Mehendale, director of National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), told Express that the study, which will map the most affected areas in the city and see if the environment makes the virus more virulent, will be over in next two months.

However, he refused to give further details. Interestingly, the study was launched after large cases of dengue and chikungunya was detected among children in various parts of the city.

Earlier, Dr Mehendale launched Sree Balaji Diabetes and Obesity Research centre here on Wednesday. The centre which will be headed by Dr S M Rajendran, who is also the registrar of the university will include clinicians and geneticists.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mehendale said there is a rise non communicable diseases mortality. “Fifty-three per cent of death are caused by non-communicable diseases and by 2015 60 per cent of death will be attributed to it which also includes diabetes,” he said.

He also highlighted the need to conduct research on role of tobacco in diabetes. “The role of tobacco in diabetes is uncertain and some research will be beneficial,” he added.

He also said that diabetes will have a impact on the productivity as it affects the most productive age group.

Rajendran said the the centre will focus on rol of genes in deiabetics besides research on psycho-somatic and lifestyle pattern that causes diabetes in Indian population. “The Centre will also provide hands-on training to clinicians in techniques in genetics and molecular biology,” he said.

Rajendran said the initial focus of the centre will be to screen the genome of individuals between 25 to 40 years with or without a family history of diabetes, to understand genetic factors that causes diabetes. Subsequently, the research centre will screen the genome of non-diabetic individuals to identify the possibility of developing diabetes, he added.

Dr K P Thooyamani, vice chancellor of Bharath University said it was a proud moment for the university as the new research centre is a step in the direction towards assimilating knowledge and providing the best for our students.