'HIV/AIDS compounding TB menace in India'

Lucknow, Sep 26 (UNI) The fast proliferation in cases of HIV/AIDS -- that weakens the immune system of a person -- is compounding the TB menace in the country, a top biotechnologist today warned.

''Scientists are busy fighting a big battle against tuberculosis, which is taking a dangerous turn due to increase in incidence of HIV/AIDS,'' Prof M Vijayan, Emeritus scientist and distinguished biotechnologist, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore said here.

He said the best way to deal with this problem was to understand and study the genetic profile of the TB bacteria, which has around 4,000 genes.

''If we study all the genes in detail, we might be able to ascertain which gene is responsible for causing disease and how this knowledge can be used in designing a better drug against TB.'' Prof Vijayan was the chief guest in the joint celebration of CSIR foundation day function organized by the four CSIR Labs in Lucknow viz Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC), Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI).

He gave a lecture on 'Structure determination of mycobacterial proteins and its possible implications for combating TB'.

Prof Vijayan presented the various structure of proteins found in the TB bacteria.

''Several national research institutes in the country like CDRI, NII, CDFD, CCMB, IISc and IICB are collaborating in this aspect of finding a better cure against TB,'' he informed.

Prof Vijayan further stated that it is high time to study the genome of HIV so that the knowledge could be used to design a better drug or vaccine against this incurable condition.

''Understanding the complete HIV genome will help us in finding a cure for HIV/AIDS. We have started working in this area and hope to get good results soon.'' He also congratulated Dr Vinod Bhakuni, Head, Division of Molecular and Structural Biology, CDRI, who received Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award in the area of Biological Sciences from the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.

Presiding over the function of National Commission of Farmers (NCF), New Delhi Member Prof R B Singh said we have to work for the majority of the country's population, most of which are farmers and are also poor.

He has wide experience in international organzation like Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Prof Singh said India is one of the richest countries in the world regarding the ancient knowledge and biodiversity, but is poor in employment, per capita income and health parameters.

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