Latest news with #Chandipura
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Favipiravir drug shows promise against Chandipura virus in preclinical studies by NIV
Anti-viral drug Favipiravir has been found to have the potential to provide substantial protection against the Chandipura virus in the preclinical studies conducted by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology(NIV). The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is endemic in central India and symptoms include high fever and seizures. The infection also induces encephalitis. Studies on mice have shown that Favipiravir can reduce viral load and improve survival rates in infected animals, Naveen Kumar, director of NIV, which is under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told PTI. The virus was identified during 1965 in Maharashtra from clinical samples of febrile cases. The first significant outbreak was recorded in 2003 in Telangana, which was then part of Andhra Pradesh. It infected over 300 children with more than 50 per cent fatality. Cases were also reported from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat between 2003 and 2007. Even 2007 onwards sporadic cases from endemic regions were reported. In 2024, a major outbreak was reported from Gujarat and adjoining areas of Maharashtra which the WHO described as the largest outbreak in the past 20 years. It emerged to be a major threat for the paediatric population with 64 laboratory confirmed cases of the infection reported from Gujarat (61 cases) and adjoining areas, r Vijay Bondre, senior scientist at NIV, said. The outbreak was investigated by the National Joint Outbreak Response Team, Dr Bondre said. "The NIV has been working toward identifying potential anti-virals against CHPV. In the search after testing multiple anti-virals, Favipiravir has been identified to give substantial protection against the Chandipura virus infection which has also been established in the preclinical trials in the laboratory," explained Dr Kumar. So far the findings suggest that Favipiravir could be a potential therapeutic option for these infections, he said. "Clinical trials on humans are yet to be carried out to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans," Dr Kumar stated. Dr Bondre said before proceeding to testing on human, the efficacy of the drug against CHPV on animals will be re-established at another organisation - ICMR-National Animal Research Facility for Biological research. This will take another seven to eight months. Currently, the infection is managed through symptomatic treatment and there is no particular drug which is used for its treatment. In addition to it, the NIV has initiated research to develop a vaccine candidate against CHPV. The research will be of great help to the nation to minimise the high fatality due this infection among children, Dr Kumar said. The CHPV is a member of Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted by arthropod vectors, most probably sand flies. Vector control, hygiene and awareness are the only measures available against the disease. 'The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may progress to convulsions, coma and in some cases may result in death, Dr Bondre said.
Deccan Herald
8 hours ago
- Health
- Deccan Herald
Favipiravir drug shows promise against Chandipura virus in preclinical studies by NIV
The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is endemic in central India and symptoms include high fever and seizures. The infection also induces encephalitis.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Favipiravir drug shows promise against Chandipura virus in preclinical studies by NIV
Anti-viral drug Favipiravir has been found to have the potential to provide substantial protection against the Chandipura virus in the preclinical studies conducted by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology(NIV). The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is endemic in central India and symptoms include high fever and seizures. The infection also induces encephalitis. Studies on mice have shown that Favipiravir can reduce viral load and improve survival rates in infected animals, Dr Naveen Kumar, Director of NIV, which is under the Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR ), told PTI. The virus was identified during 1965 in Maharashtra from clinical samples of febrile cases. The first significant outbreak was recorded in 2003 in Telangana, which was then part of Andhra Pradesh. It infected over 300 children with more than 50 per cent fatality. Live Events Cases were also reported from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat between 2003 and 2007. Even 2007 onwards sporadic cases from endemic regions were reported. In 2024, a major outbreak was reported from Gujarat and adjoining areas of Maharashtra which the WHO described as the largest outbreak in the past 20 years. It emerged to be a major threat for the paediatric population with 64 laboratory confirmed cases of the infection reported from Gujarat (61 cases) and adjoining areas, Dr Vijay Bondre, senior scientist at NIV, said. The outbreak was investigated by the National Joint Outbreak Response Team, Dr Bondre said. "The NIV has been working toward identifying potential anti-virals against CHPV. In the search after testing multiple anti-virals, Favipiravir has been identified to give substantial protection against the Chandipura virus infection which has also been established in the preclinical trials in the laboratory," explained Dr Kumar. So far the findings suggest that Favipiravir could be a potential therapeutic option for these infections, he said. "Clinical trials on humans are yet to be carried out to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans," Dr Kumar stated. Dr Bondre said before proceeding to testing on human, the efficacy of the drug against CHPV on animals will be re-established at another organisation - ICMR-National Animal Research Facility for Biological research. This will take another seven to eight months. Currently, the infection is managed through symptomatic treatment and there is no particular drug which is used for its treatment. In addition to it, the NIV has initiated research to develop a vaccine candidate against CHPV. The research will be of great help to the nation to minimise the high fatality due this infection among children, Dr Kumar said. The CHPV is a member of Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted by arthropod vectors, most probably sand flies. Vector control, hygiene and awareness are the only measures available against the disease. The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may progress to convulsions, coma and in some cases may result in death, Dr Bondre said.
The Print
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Print
Favipiravir drug shows promise against Chandipura virus in preclinical studies by NIV
Studies on mice have shown that Favipiravir can reduce viral load and improve survival rates in infected animals, Dr Naveen Kumar, Director of NIV, which is under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told PTI. The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is endemic in central India and symptoms include high fever and seizures. The infection also induces encephalitis. New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Anti-viral drug Favipiravir has been found to have the potential to provide substantial protection against the Chandipura virus in the preclinical studies conducted by the Pune-based National Institute of Virology(NIV). The virus was identified during 1965 in Maharashtra from clinical samples of febrile cases. The first significant outbreak was recorded in 2003 in Telangana, which was then part of Andhra Pradesh. It infected over 300 children with more than 50 per cent fatality. Cases were also reported from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat between 2003 and 2007. Even 2007 onwards sporadic cases from endemic regions were reported. In 2024, a major outbreak was reported from Gujarat and adjoining areas of Maharashtra which the WHO described as the largest outbreak in the past 20 years. It emerged to be a major threat for the paediatric population with 64 laboratory confirmed cases of the infection reported from Gujarat (61 cases) and adjoining areas, Dr Vijay Bondre, senior scientist at NIV, said. The outbreak was investigated by the National Joint Outbreak Response Team, Dr Bondre said. 'The NIV has been working toward identifying potential anti-virals against CHPV. In the search after testing multiple anti-virals, Favipiravir has been identified to give substantial protection against the Chandipura virus infection which has also been established in the preclinical trials in the laboratory,' explained Dr Kumar. So far the findings suggest that Favipiravir could be a potential therapeutic option for these infections, he said. 'Clinical trials on humans are yet to be carried out to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans,' Dr Kumar stated. Dr Bondre said before proceeding to testing on human, the efficacy of the drug against CHPV on animals will be re-established at another organisation – ICMR-National Animal Research Facility for Biological research. This will take another seven to eight months. Currently, the infection is managed through symptomatic treatment and there is no particular drug which is used for its treatment. In addition to it, the NIV has initiated research to develop a vaccine candidate against CHPV. The research will be of great help to the nation to minimise the high fatality due this infection among children, Dr Kumar said. The CHPV is a member of Rhabdoviridae family and is transmitted by arthropod vectors, most probably sand flies. Vector control, hygiene and awareness are the only measures available against the disease. The disease affects mostly children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may progress to convulsions, coma and in some cases may result in death, Dr Bondre said. PTI PLB DV DV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
Dengue To Nipah: NIV Developing Vaccines For These Deadly Viruses In India
Last Updated: With Nakshatra supercomputer at NIV Pune, virus mutations can be tracked in real time, speeding up vaccine development and enabling swift national response The National Institute of Virology's (NIV) fight against deadly viruses is gaining momentum far beyond dengue. While India's first indigenous dengue vaccine has reached the final phase of human trials—an important breakthrough in tackling the mosquito-borne illness—NIV is also developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for several other high-risk viruses, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on imported technology and boost epidemic preparedness. The Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus, prevalent in Karnataka and surrounding forests, causes a severe fever, and its vaccine is now in an advanced stage. Chandipura Virus The Chandipura virus, which induces high fever in children, is also being targeted by NIV for a vaccine. Nipah Virus India is developing a vaccine for the highly lethal Nipah virus using monoclonal antibody technology. CCHF Virus The zoonotic Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus is also under surveillance by the NIV, where work on a vaccine and diagnostic kit is already underway. These advancements signify India's growing self-reliance in addressing biological threats. With Nakshatra in place, virus mutations can be tracked in real time, accelerating vaccine development and enabling faster national response during outbreaks. The arrival of this supercomputer is being hailed as a revolutionary step in India's virology efforts. Eradicating Dengue India's first indigenous dengue vaccine could mark a turning point in the country's decades-long battle against the disease. The vaccine has shown promise against all four serotypes of the dengue virus, thanks to modern biotechnology advances in the NIV labs. If the final phase of trials is successful, India will soon have its first homegrown and safe dengue vaccine. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
