Programme 016 / 6 ADMITTED
MD Microbiology
Postgraduate · 3-year specialty
Seats permitted6
Advanced training in diagnostic bacteriology, virology, and molecular biology with emphasis on stewardship and lab management.
Department of Microbiology
A core clinical and laboratory discipline forming the backbone of modern medicine. We specialize in pathogen identification, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control through advanced molecular techniques and rigorous research.
The Department of Microbiology at AVMCH is a center for high-precision diagnostic services and research. We integrate Immunology, Molecular Biology, and Laboratory Medicine to guide rational antimicrobial therapy and update hospital-specific antibiotic guidelines. Our department leads the institutional Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs and Hospital Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) initiatives.
NABL Accredited RT-PCR Lab
30+ Ongoing Research Projects
Expert IPC & Stewardship Leadership
01MB
150
UG seats / year
02MD
06
PG seats / year
03PhD
04
PhD seats / year
04MSc
05
M.Sc seats / year
Department
Laboratory Excellence For Safer Patient Care.
From emerging pathogen detection to molecular characterization of resistance, our department provides definitive evidence-based guidance for infection management and hospital safety.
Microbiology is a core clinical discipline focused on microorganisms of medical importance, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. We play a pivotal role in the laboratory diagnosis, management, and prevention of infectious diseases. By generating and analyzing local antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data, we support institutional stewardship programs and ensure the judicious use of antibiotics, significantly reducing resistance and improving patient outcomes.
We provide structured training to undergraduate and postgraduate students with a strong emphasis on laboratory skills, biosafety, and quality control. Our unique innovative practices include Case-Based and Problem-Based Learning, molecular diagnostics (PCR), and a robust faculty-student mentoring system with weekly assessments and performance monitoring.
The department is actively involved in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) monitoring and hospital surveillance, utilizing molecular techniques for both research and high-precision clinical diagnostics.
We maintain participation in internal and external quality assurance programs, ensuring our diagnostic services meet the highest national and international standards.
Research Focus
Thrust · AMR Stewardship, Fungal Mycology, Hospital Infections
Outreach
Outreach · Public Health Surveillance, Infection Control Audits
II / Academics
Comprehensive Training In Clinical Microbiology.
Academic Programmes
Programme 025 / 5 ADMITTED
M.Sc Medical Microbiology
Postgraduate · Academic Stream
Seats permitted5
Foundational and advanced research-oriented curriculum in medical microbial sciences.
Programme 032 / 4 ADMITTED
PhD Microbiology
Doctoral Research
Seats permitted4
Leading-edge research in AMR burden, molecular characterization, and immunogenic markers.
Head of Department
Expert In Clinical Diagnostics.
Dr. K. Kavitha, Professor & HOD, leads a distinguished team of academic and clinical microbiologists.
Dr. K. Kavitha
Professor & Head · MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. Kavitha specializes in hospital surveillance and molecular characterization of pathogens. She is instrumental in evaluating biomarkers for infectious diseases and has led multiple ICMR-funded projects on hypervirulent Klebsiella and H. pylori.
Faculty
A team of researchers, deans, and clinical experts.
9 qualified professionals committed to clinical excellence.
Dr. Rakesh Sehgal
Dean, Medical and Bioresearch
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. R. Latha
Vice-Dean academics and Digitalization
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. S. Pramodhini
Professor
MBBS, DLO, MD Microbiology
Dr. K. Sethumadhavan
Professor
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. Anusheela Howlader
Associate Professor
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. R. Priyadharshini
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. Neeharika
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Dr. Nathiya
Senior Resident
MBBS, MD Microbiology
JR
Dr. Jaishma Rajni. J
Senior Resident
MBBS, MD Microbiology
Research · Thrust & Projects
Combatting The Global Threat Of Resistance.
AMR Stewardship
Focusing on mitigating the spread of resistant pathogens through institutional antibiograms and diagnostic-driven prescribing.
Opportunistic Mycology
Early detection of fungal pathogens in immunocompromised individuals using culture, antigen assays, and PCR.
Hospital Infections (HAI)
Surveillance of nosocomial infections, staff training, and environmental monitoring to improve patient safety.
Research & Innovation
A Prolific Research Ecosystem.
The department hosts extensive intramural and extramural projects funded by ICMR and DBT, with strong international collaborations like the INDO-UK project with Imperial College London.
Research Snapshot
30+ active research projects since 2023
| # | Project | PI | Funding | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Defining AMR burden of Antimicrobial Manufacturing waste (INDO-UK, DBT Project) | PI: Dr. R. Latha | Extramural · 25.5 Lakhs | Global AMR | Completed |
| 02 | Magnitude of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections & AMR pattern | PI: Dr. K. Kavitha | Extramural · ICMR-STS | Klebsiella | Completed |
| 03 | Ecological surveillance of free living amoeba in water bodies | PI: Dr. Rakesh Sehgal | Intramural | Public Health | Ongoing |
| 04 | Dual drug loaded bio-nanocomposites against hepatocellular carcinoma | PI: Dr. R. Latha | Intramural | Nanotechnology | Ongoing |
| 05 | Molecular screening of virulence genes in clinical dermatophytes | PI: Dr. M. Kirubakaran | Self · PG | Mycology | Ongoing |
Publications
Leading Contributions To Global Journals.
Recent improvements in starch films with cellulose - A review
Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers · 2025
Rakesh Sehgal et al.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology · 2025
R. Latha, K. Kavitha et al.
Customizable nanoparticles transforming microbial detection
Nanoscale · 2024
Aboobacker P.A., R. Latha
First report of molecular detection of Toxoplasma Gondii in Chandigarh city
Sci Rep · 2025
Rakesh Sehgal et al.
Bacteriophage therapy in diabetic foot ulcer caused by Pseudomonas
Microbes and Infectious Diseases · 2024
Aravind C Sasi, R. Latha
Diagnostic Services
Round-The-Clock Laboratory Support.
Bacteriology
ID & Susceptibility
Virology
RT-PCR & Serology
Mycology
Culture & Sensitivity
Immunology
ELISA & Markers
Infrastructure
Advanced Molecular Diagnostics.
Vitek 2 Compact
Automated ID
Fully automated system for microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
BD BACTEC FX40
Blood Culture
Continuous monitoring automated blood culture system for rapid detection of sepsis.
Molecular Suite
RT-PCR
Equipped with Real-time PCR and Conventional PCR units for high-precision viral and bacterial diagnostics.
ELISA & Immunoassays
Serology
High-throughput systems for detecting antigens and antibodies in infectious diseases.
Microscopy Center
Fluorescence
Binocular, Trinocular, and Fluorescent microscopes for detailed morphological study.
Philosophy
Microbiology · AVMCH
“Precision in diagnosis, safety in healthcare. We bridge the gap between microscopic discovery and clinical cure.
Department of Microbiology, AVMCH & Hospital
Intellectual Property
Innovation Through Patents & Copyrights.
Electromagnetic Pipette Patent
Aboobacker P. A.
Patent App: 202541028280
Alamar Blue POC Differentiation
Aboobacker P. A.
Patent App: 202441089978
Dual Chamber Urine Analysis
Aboobacker P. A.
Patent App: 202541028268
Events Organised
Leading Global Conversations On AMR.
05-06
JAN 2024
2nd International Conference on Combating AMR (CAMR-2024)
International
Participants - 500
25
APR 2024
International Pharmacoparasitology Conference - 2024
World Malaria Day
Participants - 200
12
OCT 2023
Opportunistic Parasitic Infections (IATP)
CME
Participants - 175
18-22
NOV 2025
AMR Awareness Week - One Health
College Event
Participants - 200
Get in Touch
Microbiology Communication Hub.
For diagnostic referrals, research collaborations, or stewardship consultation, please contact the department office.
HOD:Dr. K. Kavitha
Location:AVMCH & Hospital · Puducherry
Email:Available on Institutional Directory
Testimonials
Student & Alumni Voices
"The clinical exposure and mentorship I received in this department shaped my entire career. The faculty goes above and beyond to ensure we grasp both the theoretical and practical aspects of patient care."
D
Dr. Ananya Sharma
Alumni · Class of 2021
"State-of-the-art facilities and a rigorous academic environment make this department stand out. I am extremely grateful for the hands-on research opportunities that were available from day one."
R
Rahul Menon
Student · Current Final Year
"A truly remarkable department with a strong emphasis on competency-based learning. The regular CMEs, specialty clinics, and dedicated teaching sessions have provided me with a strong foundation."
D
Dr. Priya Desai
Alumni · Class of 2019