Veterinary Microbiology
The Department of Veterinary Microbiology mainly focuses on teaching, research and extension in Microbiology. Various courses are offered for BVSc & AH, MVSc and PhD degree in Veterinary Microbiology with specialization in Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology and Immunology. Since establishment, a total of 38 PhD and 182 MVSc students have successfully completed their degrees. The department focuses on the application of available methods and development of new tools for diagnosis, prophylaxis and control of infectious diseases of domestic animals and poultry. The department has well qualified faculty many of whom have obtained higher qualifications or specialized trainings abroad or at premier institutes of the country and have brought laurels at international and national levels. Currently 5 Professors and 2 Assistant Professors are in the department. A total of 365 research articles in national and 47 in international journals have been published by various faculty members of the department.
The department offers the following diagnostic services on regular basis: Isolation of bacteria, viruses and fungi, culture of bacteria and determination of their sensitivity to antibiotics, virus propagation in cell culture, detection of mycotoxins in feed, and immunodiagnosis (employing ELISA, Immunofluorescence, Virus Neutralization Test, Haemagglutination, Haemagglutination Inhibition Assay, Agar Gel Precipitation Test, Agglutination Tests, Electrophoresis and Immunoblotting etc.) and molecular diagnosis (through isolation of nucleic acids, PCR, RT-PCR, RFLP etc.) of infectious diseases of domestic animals and poultry.
Goals
- Application of available technologies and development of newer methods for diagnosis, prevention and control of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry.
Thrust Area
- Development of improved diagnostics for major infectious diseases of animals viz. Brucellosis, Bovine Tuberculosis, Paratuberculosis, Canine Parvovirus, Bovine Mastitis.
- Application of Advanced diagnostic techniques (QPCR, GenXpert, MALDI-TOF etc.)
- Development of improved vaccines and therapeutic agents in the light of emerging resistance among pathogens.
- Conventional and Molecular approaches for characterization of major important infectious agents causing Brucellosis, HS, TB, JD, Salmonellosis, CPV, IBR, PPR, CIAV, NDV etc.)
Veterinary Microbiology
Dr. Deepti Narang
Address : Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana
Email: deeptinarang@gadvasu.in
Call: +91-161-2414033 (O)
Brief Introduction :
Dr. Deepti Narang has joined the Head Veterinary Microbiology Department.
Faculty Detail

Dr. Tania Gupta
Designation : Assistant Professor
Contact Address : Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004
Telephone :
Mobile : +91-8899240942, 7018697267
Email : dr.tania603@gmail.com
Academic Credentials
- B.V. Sc & AH, SKUAST-Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu and Kashmir
- M.V. Sc (Veterinary Bacteriology), ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- PhD (Veterinary Microbiology), DGCN, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Teaching appointments
- Assistant Professor, International Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Bahu Akbarpur, Rohtak, Haryana, Sep, 2017 - Dec, 2017.
- Senior Research Fellow, Veterinary Microbiology, COVAS, Palampur, Sep, 2019- Mar, 2020.
- Contractual Assistant Professor, Veterinary Microbiology, SKAUST Jammu, Nov, 2020- Aug, 2021.
Area of research
- Molecular Diagnosis
- Point of care diagnosis
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Genome editing
- Host-pathogen interaction
Research honours awards
- Gold Medal for B.V. Sc. & A.H. degree
- UG Merit Scholarship
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of I. C. A. R. for Masters in Veterinary Bacteriology
- PhD Merit Scholarship
No of publications
Research: 06 | Review: 04 | Books: Nil | Manuals: 03 |
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Publication
- Rajesh Chahota, Pradeep Sharam, Rakesh Kumar, Tania Gupta, Mandeep Sharma. 2021. Investigation of an outbreak of sheeppox among native sheep breeds in the Western Himalayas of India. Veterinary Research Communication. 46(1):101-107.
- Vanita Patial, Tania Gupta, Shivani Angaria, Diksha Bali, Ajay Katoch, Mayank Gautam. NK Singh, Mandeep Sharma. 2021. Theileria orientalis outbreak in an organized cattle Breeding farm showed complex and protracted clinical manifestations. Veterinary Parasitology Regional Studies Report. 24, p.100572.
- Tania Gupta, Vanita Patial, Prasenjit Dhar, Subhash Verma, Mandeep Sharma and Rajesh Chahota. 2021. Isolation and adaptational studies of native Sheeppox Virus strains in lamb testicular and Vero cell culture systems. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research. 47(1): 77-83.
- Tania Gupta, Mayank Rawat, Bablu Kumar, Rajat Varshney, Soumendu Chakarvarti and Salauddin Qureshi. 2020. Evaluation of real-time PCR as an alternative for potency testing of B. abortus vaccines. Animal Biotechnology. 1-11. doi:10.1080/10495398.2020
- Tania Gupta, Vanita Patial, Diksha Bali, Shivani Angaria, Mandeep Sharma and Rajesh Chahota. 2020. A Review: Lumpy skin disease and its emergence in India. Veterinary Research. Communication. doi. org./10.1007/s11259-020-09780-1.
- Tania Gupta, Vanita Patial, Shivani Angaria, Diksha Bali, Mandeep Sharma and Rajesh Chahota. 2020. Capripoxvirus, an emerging threat to sheep and goat husbandry in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research. 57:2293-2302.
- Neha Rana, AK Panda, Neena Pathak, Tania Gupta, SD Thakur. 2020. Bacillus cereus: public health burden associated with ready-to-eat foods in Himachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 57:2293-2302.
- Tania Gupta, Gupta SK. 2020. Potential adjuvants for the development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on experimental results from similar coronaviruses. International Immunopharmacology, 86;106717.
- Varun Vaid, Kanika Mahajan, Tania Gupta, Sheikh Firdous Ahmad and Singh A. 2018. Cervico-vaginal prolapse and its management: A case report. Indian Journal of Animal Health, 57(2): 243-245.
- Sheikh Firdous Ahmad, Kanika Mahajan, Tania Gupta, M. and V. Yadav. 2018. Transgenesis in Animals: Principles and Applications – A Review. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science 7(10): 3068-3077
Veterinary Microbiology
- Diagnosis, prevention and control of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry.
Veterinary Microbiology
S.No. | Title of Project | Objectives | Investigator(s) | Budget (Rs) | Sponsoring Agency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Identification of target molecule on B cell which binds with IBD virus and its regulation for immunoprophylaxis of IBD in chicken. | Identifying the target of IBDV from among the selected molecules of B cells. certain apoptosis-trigger molecules like CD40/CD40L, Fas. Selected maker(s) of immature stage of B cells (like Bu-I) Selected marker (s) of activated stage of B cells (like MHC II) Attempts for immunoprophylaxis of IBD in young chicks using target centred approach. |
Dr. H. M. Saxena Dr: Ramneek. | 42lakh | DBT, Ministry of S&T, GOI |
2. | All India Network Program on Haemorrhagic Septicaemia. | Data recording in respect of incidence and prevalence of H S and animals pasteurellosis in various animals species with special emphasis on H. S. in cattle and buffaloes. Pathogenicity in Laboratory animals. Drug sensitivity testing of the isolates. To study the phagocytic uptake and killing of Pasteurella multocida isolates by mouse phagocytic cells. |
Dr. A. K. Arora Dr(s). N. S. Sharma, T. S. Rai, Deepti Narang |
11 lakh | ICAR, New Delhi |
3. | Studies on vaccine failure and on strategies for effective prevention of FMD and HS | To study the incidence and possible cause of failure of vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) in cattle and buffaloes. To evolve strategies for preventing vaccination failure and to develop more effective vaccines with longer duration of immunity by using appropriate immunomodulation(like use of adjuvant and carriers) along with available vaccines |
Dr. H. M. Saxena CoPI: Dr(s): T S Rai, Deepti Narang, Gurpreet Kaur, Paviter Kaur, Mudit Chandra. |
40 lakh | RKVY, Ministry of Agriculture GOI |
4. | Diagnosis and control of Brucellosis: a dreadful zoonotic disease in domestic livestock for enhancing productivity in Punjab state | Employment of Molecular techniques for accurate diagnosis of infection as a rapid, sensitive and specific tool. Molecular differentiation of the prevalent strains. Formulation of strategies for effective control and prevention of brucellosis. Control of disease in animals by application of antimicrobials and antibiotic sensitivity test with special emphasis on drug resistance. |
Dr. H. M. Saxena Dr(s): N. S. Sharma, A K Arora, T S Rai, Deepti Narang, Gurpreet Kaur, Paviter Kaur, Mudit Chandra. |
10 lakh per year for 5 years | Punjab Govt |
5. | Studies on viral bacterial and mycotic infection of cattle and buffaloes with a view to develop diagnostic kits and suitable vaccines. | To study the prevalence of IBR viruses, enteroviruses, parainfluenza virus, rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli, Salmonella spp, mycosis and Mycotoxicosis by isolation and identification of the causeative agent. To develop suitable diagnostic tests for these diseases. To develop suitable vaccines against these diseases. |
Dr. H. M. Saxena Dr(s): N. S. Sharma, Deepti Narang, Mudit Chandra. |
Punjab Govt. | |
6. | Development of cost effective bacteriophage therapy for controlling brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes | Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages reactive to Brucella. Development of penside diagnostic kit for brucellosis based on bacteriophage Investigation on therapeutic potential of bacteriophages against Brucella |
Dr. Deepti Narang Dr. H. M. Saxena Dr. Mudit Chandra |
15 lakh | RKVY Ministry of Agriculture |
7. | To Evaluate The In-Vitro and In-Vivo Therapeutic Potential Of Bacteriophages | Isolation and identification of bacteriophages against Salmonella organisms causing diseases in domestic animals. Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of the bacteriophage(s) under varied in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. |
Dr. Mudit Chandra Dr. Deepti Narang | 11.88 lakh | DBT. New Delhi |
Veterinary Microbiology
The department continued to be a part of the All India Network Programme on Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (ICAR) with emphasis on epidemiology of P. multocida and P. haemolytica. During the period under report a total of 300 samples obtained from different animal species viz., Buffaloes, cattle, poultry, and dogs were screened seven isolates of P.multocida were obtained which were confirmed on the basis of morphology, biochemical characters, pathogenicity and PCR and were sent to Co-ordinating Center. IVRI for further confirmation. All the isolates as well as P52 strain were subjected to genomic characterization by RAPD and REP PCR analysis. RAPD profile generated 5-12 bands of varying size ranging from 150-2900bp. The banding pattern helped to differentiate/group the isolates into different profiles on the basis of presence of particular amplification bands. The REP repeats were efficiently amplified from all the isolates and amplification produced 8-30 bands varying form 200bp to 3400bp. Overall, the amplification bands could be differentiated into 8 different profiles. Both the techniques were able to differentiate among the phenotypically similar isolates.
Studies were undertaken for identifying the target of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) from among the selected surface molecules of B cells. The incubation of bursal lymphocytes with IBD virus did not affect the level of staining of the cells with antibodies Q11, Q 13 or T7 against markers of immature B cells or antibodies against Bu-1A or CD 40. However, prior incubation of bursal cells with antichicken MHCII antibody resulted in pronounced inhibition of binding of IBDV to the cells. Similarly, prior incubation of bursal cells with IBDV resulted in profound reduction in staining with antichicken MHC-II antibody. These findings offer new insights into the putative target molecule's identity.
An application for a patent has been filed by Dr. H. M. Saxena for his innovative modifications in an immunodiagnostic test to give higher sensitivity. Lyte Bacteriophages against Salmonella and Brucella have been isolated and are being characterized.
Veterinary Microbiology
- Every year the department participates in the Pashu Palan Melas organized by the University.
- Various trainings are being imparted for updating field Veterinarians of Punjab.
- Training of 4 weeks duration on Latest Molecular and General Microbiological techniques for Students of B.Sc../M.Sc./B.Tech/M.Tech (Biotechnology) students from various Universities is imparted every year.
Veterinary Microbiology
Research | : | 391 |
Extension | : | 121 |
Books/Mannuals | : | 06 |
Veterinary Microbiology
- The department is well equipped with advanced facilities for diagnosis of diseases using QPCR, GenXpert, MALDI-TOF
- Testing of samples
- Bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF
- Feed samples for mycotoxins
- Abortion samples for Brucellosis and IBR
- Faecal samples for JD
- Poultry samples for salmonellosis
- Preputial washings for Campylobacteriosis
- Samples for IBR by PCR
Veterinary Microbiology
- Dr. Hari Mohan Saxena won the ISVIB Scientist Award (Gold Medal) (2007) of the Indian Society for Veterinary Immunology and Biotechnology (ISVIB) for best published paper.
- Dr. Hari Mohan Saxena was awarded the Visiting Teacher Fellowship of the Indian Academy of Science, Bangalore for research at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.
- One of the paper co authored by Dr. Paviter Kaur received Young Scientist award in National Symposium on Organic Livestock Farming- Global Issues trends and Challenges from 26-28 Feb, 2009 at Kolkata.
- Dr. P. N. Dwivedi and Dr. N. S. Sharma were awarded Outstanding Alumni Award 2008, for promoting professional activities in Veterinary Sciences by Alumni Association, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab on 29th Nov, 2008.
- One of the paper co authored by Dr. P. N. Dwivedi received Best Poster Award in IPSACON, 2007 at Kerala.
- Dr. N. S. Sharma received ISVIB Mid Career Scientist award in 2005.
- One of the paper co authored by Dr. N. S. Sharma received best poster presentation award in the XXIV Indian Poultry Science Association and National Symposium on ‘Poultry Production for Rural Employment and Nutritional Security’ held at GADVASU, Ludhiana on April 25-27, 2007.
- Dr. N. S. Sharma received SHIKSHA RATTAN PURUSKAR – 2007 and Certificate of Excellence for meritorious services, outstanding performance and remarkable role in the field of Veterinary Microbiology by IIFS, New Delhi at a Seminar on ‘Economic Growth and National Integration’ held at New Delhi on 27th Nov, 2007.
- One of the paper co authored by Dr. N. S. Sharma received best poster presentation award in the VIIth Annual Conference of Indian Association of Veterinary Public Health Specialists and International Symposium on “Food Safety, quality assurance and global trade: Concerns and Strategies” held at G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar in association with Michigan State University, East Lancing USA from Nov 7-9, 2008.
- Dr. A. K. Arora received prestigious commonwealth fellowship for Post Doctorate.
- Dr. H. M. Saxena was appointed Editor of the Journal of Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology Research published by the Academic Journals, New York.
- Dr. H. M. Saxena was appointed Regional Editor of the International Advances in Animal and Veterinary Research Published by Maxwell Science, U. K.
- Dr. Hari Mohan Saxena served as a Member of the Panels of Experts / Selection Committees of Agricultural Scientists’ Recruitment Board, Haryana Agricultural University and Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur for appointments of Professors and Assistant Professors.
- Dr. Hari Mohan Saxena served as an Expert of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for review of research projects submitted to the DBT for funding.
- Dr. Hari Mohan Saxena was appointed a Member of the Steering Committee of Science Advisory Board, Arlington, USA.
- Dr. Hari Mohan Saxena was appointed a Member of the Editorial Board of the Indian Journal of Veterinary Research published by Indian Association for Advancement of Veterinary Research.
- Dr. H.M.Saxena won the RRK Shukla Award of IAAVR for outstanding research work.
- A team of Scientists led by Dr. H.M. Saxena won the FM Burnet Award Gold Medal of the ISVIB. The other members of the team are Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Mudit Chandra and Dr. Krishan Sharma of Microbiology Deptt. and Dr. Ravindra Sharma, CCSHAU, Hisar and Dr. Ashwani Kumar, RDDL, Jallandhar.