Research

Research1: Survey of VBNC Vibrio cholerae contamination in environmental water and sewage

To clarify the route of human infection by an aquatic bacterium V. cholerae, our unit collects environmental water (water from ponds and rivers) and sewage in Kolkata, and investigates the Vibrio spp. and VBNC V. cholerae present in the water samples, as well as conducting research into the reversion to vegetative V. cholerae (V. cholerae that can be cultured using standard methods). In addition, we are investigating the distribution of genes such as toxins and pathogenic factors specific to V. cholerae, aiming to elucidate the process by which new V. cholerae strains emerge and spread.

Research2: Survey of Enterobacteriaceae contamination in livestock and poultry

In India, wild birds, chickens, dogs, goats, cows, and other animals are often seen on the streets, and their feces are leave on the streets. In previous studies, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), or Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has been frequently detected in bovine feces. Therefore, we are investigating Enterobacteriaceae in livestock and poultry feces, aiming to control the transmission and spread of fecal-borne pathogenic microorganisms to humans.