Central University of Tamil Nadu and Tata Institute of Genetic Science Sign MOU to Combat Scrub Typhus and Vector-Borne Diseases

In a significant step towards combating vector-borne diseases, the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) and the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) have joined hands by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The primary focus of this collaboration is to address the growing concerns related to diseases caused by infectious insects and specifically tackle the alarming incidence of Scrub typhus. The MOU was signed by Prof R Thirumurugan, Registrar, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur and Dr. Rakesh K. Mishra, Director of Tata Institute for Genetics and Society in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof M. Krishnan.
Scrub typhus is a fever caused by the bite of mites, which are present in various environments, including agricultural fields and rodents. Particularly, when farmers are engaged in harvesting activities, they are at risk of encountering these mites, leading to transmission of the bacteria known as O.tsutsugamushi. This pathogenic bacteria is responsible for causing Scrub typhus fever and poses a serious health threat as there is currently no definitive cure for the disease.
The symptoms of Scrub typhus include fever, nausea, body pain, and in severe cases, it can lead to coma and even death if left untreated. Currently, the only available treatment involves administering the drug doxycycline, which helps to control the disease but does not provide a complete cure.
The collaboration between CUTN and TIGS aims to make significant strides in understanding and combating this disease. As part of the MOU, CUTN will collect mite and bacterial samples from various sources, including rats and agricultural fields. Subsequently, TIGS, renowned for its expertise in genetic research, will identify and isolate and identify the bacterial strains responsible for Scrub typhus. This identification process is crucial in determining the specific species of the bacteria and devising targeted treatment strategies.
Professors and researchers from both institutions including Prof. Jayalakshmi, Assistant Professor, Biotechnology, CUTN and Mansi R Malik, Research Scientist TIGS expressed their enthusiasm for this joint effort and highlighted the potential for the collaboration to extend beyond Scrub typhus. The MOU will pave the way for studying and combating other vector-borne diseases carried by insects like ticks and mosquitoes, which also pose significant health challenges worldwide.