Microbiology

Vision Statement

The Department of Microbiology is committed to establishing itself as a Centre of Excellence in diagnostic microbiology, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance and standardization. It strives to deliver accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic services while promoting academic growth through training and research.

Mission Statement

  • Deliver reliable, accurate, and standardized diagnostic microbiology services through robust quality assurance systems, including implementation of External Quality Assurance Services (EQAS).
  • Progress toward NABL accreditation, ensuring compliance with national standards and continuous quality improvement.
  • Expand and strengthen laboratory capabilities with development of advanced diagnostic sections such as molecular diagnosis, bacteriology, virology, serology, mycology, parasitology, and related disciplines.
  • Promote academic excellence through initiation and strengthening of B.Sc., Ph.D., and PDCC programmes, fostering skilled training and specialization.
  • Advance research in microbiology by encouraging innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practices to improve patient care and public health outcomes.

Faculty

S. No. Photo Name and Qualification Designation Area of Interest Email ID / ResearchGate / ORCID ID
1 Dr Priti Agarwal Dr. Priti Agarwal Professor and HOD
  • Bacteriology – Respiratory pathogens and Rickettsial infections
  • Detection of AMR genes
  • Mycobacteriology (TB)
  • Hospital Infection Control
  • Virology
 dr.priti.micro@aiimsbilaspur.edu.in
drpritiagarwal2@gmail.com
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5774-6837
2 Dr Puneet Kumar Gupta Dr. Puneet Kumar Gupta Additional Professor
  • Bacteriology (especially blood and body fluid, enteric laboratory)
  • Serology including immunology
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
  • Neglected tropical diseases
  • Hospital Infection Prevention and Control
  • Virology
 dr.puneet.micro@aiimsbilaspur.edu.in
drpuneetkumargupta@gmail.com
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4336-7737
3 Dr Neha Gautam Dr. Neha Gautam Additional Professor
  • Bacteriology – Pus and body fluids
  • Fungal pathogens
  • Hospital infection
 dr.neha.micro@aiimsbilaspur.edu.in
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-4336-7737
4 Dr Megha Sharma Dr. Megha Sharma Associate Professor
  • Bacteriology (especially respiratory and urinary pathogens)
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Mycobacteriology
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship & HIC
  • Emerging pathogens
  • Virology
 dr.megha.micro@aiimsbilaspur.edu.in
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6740-0493
5 Dr Vibha Mehta Dr. Vibha Mehta Assistant Professor
  • Serology
  • Parasitology
  • Enteric bacteria
 dr.vibha.micro@aiimsbilaspur.edu.in

Services

Diagnostic Microbiology Services

  • Bacteriology Services
    • Gram staining and microscopy
    • Aerobic culture and sensitivity testing
    • Identification of bacterial pathogens
    • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
    • Holiday services for blood and sterile body fluid bacterial culture
  • Mycology services for fungal infections.
  • Molecular diagnostic services including PCR-based assays.
  • Mycobacteriological services including molecular diagnosis from tissue specimens.
  • Parasitology stool examination.
  • Rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases.

Regional VRDL Services

  • Clinical virology and 24×7 serological testing.
  • Advanced molecular testing for infectious diseases.
  • Training in diagnostic microbiology techniques and biosafety protocols.

Hospital Infection Control & Antimicrobial Stewardship

  • Hospital Infection Prevention and Control (HIC) activities.
  • Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
  • Antibiogram preparation and antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
  • Guidance for rational antibiotic usage.
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (AMSP).
  • Outbreak investigation and infection surveillance activities.

Quality Assurance Activities

  • Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQA).
  • Laboratory standardization and accreditation-related activities.
  • Maintenance of biosafety and quality laboratory practices.

Diagnostic Services Offered by the Department

Bacteriology
Staining, culture, and automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing for:

  • Blood and body fluids
  • Urinary tract specimens
  • Pus and tissue specimens
  • Respiratory tract specimens

Mycology
Smear and culture for fungal pathogens.

Parasitology
Stool microscopic examination for ova and cysts.

Mycobacteriology
Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) for tuberculosis including tissue samples, and Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) smear examination.

Biomarkers
Procalcitonin testing.

The Department provides comprehensive diagnostic microbiology services covering a broad range of laboratory investigations.

Molecular Microbiology
Molecular diagnostic investigations are provided using advanced PCR-based and molecular testing platforms for infectious disease diagnosis.

Serology

Anti Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM Dengue Non-Structural Protein 1 Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Leptospira ELISA
Dengue Immunoglobulin G Hepatitis A Virus Immunoglobulin M Hepatitis C Antibody Hepatitis E Virus Immunoglobulin M Scrub Typhus ELISA
Dengue Immunoglobulin M Hepatitis B E Antigen and Anti Hepatitis B E Antibody Hepatitis E Virus Immunoglobulin G Human Immunodeficiency Virus Serology Syphilis Antibody

Statistics Courses & Short Term Trainings

S. No. Name of Course Curriculum Duration of Course Present No. of Students Objectives / Brief Description of Course
1 MD Microbiology Microbiology 03 Years 2

Postgraduates are trained to:

  • Develop expertise in diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
  • Develop skills in clinical application of microbiology for patient care.
  • Build proficiency in infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Promote research, teaching, and communication skills.

Training includes:

  • Regular seminars and journal clubs.
  • Participation in conferences and workshops.
  • Regular assessment and feedback.
  • Research through structured thesis work in microbiology, fostering skills in study design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
2 MBBS Undergraduate Medical Education 1 Year in Microbiology 100
  • To provide MBBS students with a basic understanding of microorganisms, infectious diseases, and host–pathogen interactions.
  • To develop skills in laboratory diagnosis and interpretation relevant to clinical practice.
  • To emphasize infection prevention, control, and rational use of antimicrobials.
  • To build awareness of public health, epidemiology, and national health programs related to infectious diseases.
3 Paramedical Sciences (B.Sc. MLT) B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology 03 Years in Microbiology 23
  • Train competent laboratory professionals for sample processing, testing, and reporting.
  • Impart knowledge of conventional and advanced diagnostic techniques.
  • Develop skills in handling instruments with accuracy and quality assurance.
  • Build capacity for troubleshooting, interpretation, and laboratory safety.

Research

S. No. Title Principal Investigator Co-Investigator Collaboration Funding Agency Project Status
1 Regional VRDL Dr. Priti Agarwal Dr. Puneet Kumar Gupta
Dr. Megha Sharma		 Various departments of the Institute along with other institutes in the region as and when required. ICMR-DHR Ongoing
2 Multi-centric Syndromic Surveillance of Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) in North-west India Dr. Puneet Kumar Gupta Dr. Ajay Jaryal
Dr. Jasbir Singh
Dr. Megha Sharma
Dr. Navpreet
Dr. Nikita Sharma
Dr. Priti Agarwal
Dr. Tarun Sharma

Multicentric study involving investigators from:

  • PGIMER Chandigarh
  • IGMC Shimla
  • DRPGMC Tanda
  • SLBS Mandi
  • DMC Ludhiana
  • ICMR-NIE Chennai
  • National Level Coordinator for ICMR
  • State Surveillance Officer
 ICMR-DHR Ongoing
3 Molecular Characterization of Scrub Typhus and Other Rickettsiae from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Himachal Pradesh Dr. Megha Sharma Dr. Priti Agarwal
Dr. Puneet Kumar Gupta
Dr. Tarun Sharma
Dr. Sriram		 General Medicine Department Under RVRDL (by ICMR-DHR) Ongoing
4 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Monitoring at the ICMR VRDL Centres through Hospital Wastewater Surveillance and Customization of Indigenous AMR Detection Assays Dr. Priti Agarwal Dr. Puneet Kumar Gupta
Dr. Megha Sharma		 Multicentric study involving investigators from various VRDL sites across India. ICMR-DHR Ongoing
5 Development of an RNA Extraction Free Protocol for Rapid One-step Multiplex Real-time RT-PCR Based Dengue Detection and Serotyping Dr. Puneet Kumar Gupta Dr. Priti Agarwal
Dr. Megha Sharma
Dr. Sumedha Sharma
Dr. Vibha Mehta
Dr. Tarun Sharma
Dr. Kapil Sharma		 In collaboration with the Department of General Medicine Under RVRDL (by ICMR-DHR) ISAC Approved, IEC Approval Awaited

* Investigators from AIIMS Bilaspur have been mentioned in these multicentric studies.

Expansion Plan

Construction of a standalone Regional VRDL building including BSL-3 and Animal BSL-3 facilities is planned to strengthen advanced diagnostic, surveillance, and research capabilities.

S. No. Collaboration For Collaboration with Department and Institute Services Offered / Work Undergoing in Collaboration
1 Hospital Infection Prevention and Control All stakeholders and clinical departments Surveillance activities, antibiogram preparation, and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (AMSP).
2 Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Facilities All clinical departments Syndromic panels for molecular testing and sequencing facilities.
3 Advanced Molecular Testing for Mycobacterial Pathogens including Susceptibility Testing under Mycobacteriology (TB Lab) All clinical departments CBNAAT testing and staining services under NTEP.
4 Diagnostic Services for Sexually Transmitted Infections Various departments as required, especially OBG, Urology, and Dermatology Expansion of diagnostic microbiology support for sexually transmitted infections.
5 Expansion of Serological Services including Immunological Parameters Various departments of the Institute as required, especially General Medicine, Dermatology, and Pulmonary Medicine Testing for CRP, allergy panels, TNF-alpha, and various antibody-based investigations.
6 Neglected Tropical Disease Pathogens including One Health Initiatives Various clinical departments and allied sectors including Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Fishery, Agriculture, Forest, and Wildlife Collaborative surveillance, research, and diagnostic activities related to neglected tropical diseases and One Health programmes.