National Institute of Virology (NIV)
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is one of the major Institutes of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It is identified today as the WHO Collaborating Centre for arboviruses reference and hemorrhagic fever reference and research. NIV was previously known as ‘Virus Research Centre’ and was founded in collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation. NIV has been instrumental in investigating and managing various disease outbreaks in India.
History
The institute was established in 1952 under the auspices of the ICMR and the Rockefeller Foundation as the Virus Research Centre (VRC). It was renamed as the National Institute of Virology in 1978. The institute played a crucial role in research and control of viral diseases like Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), Japanese encephalitis, and Chandipura virus epidemics.
Research and Contributions
NIV’s research primarily focuses on vector-borne viral diseases. Its major contributions include:
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
KFD, a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever, was first identified in 1957 in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. NIV has been at the forefront of KFD research, developing diagnostic tests and a vaccine against the disease.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
NIV has conducted extensive research on JE, a mosquito-borne viral infection causing inflammation of the brain. The institute has developed diagnostic tests and contributed to the development of a vaccine.
Chandipura Virus
In 2003, an outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome in Andhra Pradesh was attributed to the Chandipura virus. NIV played a key role in identifying the virus and developing control strategies.
Nipah Virus
NIV was instrumental in identifying the Nipah virus during the 2001 outbreak in Siliguri, West Bengal, and the 2018 outbreak in Kerala.
COVID-19 Pandemic
NIV was one of the first laboratories in India to isolate the SARS-CoV-2 virus and develop an indigenous antibody detection test. It has been at the forefront of COVID-19 research, diagnostics, and surveillance in India.
Other Research Areas NIV also conducts research on dengue, chikungunya, influenza, measles, hepatitis, and other emerging and re-emerging viral diseases.
Collaborations
NIV collaborates with several national and international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. It is a part of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).
Facilities and Infrastructure
NIV is located in Pune, Maharashtra, and is spread over a 35-acre campus. The institute houses state-of-the-art laboratories, including Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) facilities, animal houses, and a well-equipped library. It also has field stations in Bengaluru and Gorakhpur.
Training and Education
NIV offers training programs in virology, immunology, and epidemiology for medical and scientific professionals. It also conducts Ph.D. programs in collaboration with the University of Pune.
The National Institute of Virology continues to be at the forefront of viral disease research in India, contributing significantly to the understanding, prevention, and control of viral outbreaks in the country.
