The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently conducted a significant study, revealing that 11.1 percent of 4.5 lakh patients tested positive for various pathogens. This comprehensive report, therefore, underscores the critical importance of robust infectious disease surveillance across India. Furthermore, the study, conducted by the extensive Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network, specifically aims to identify viral infections with significant public health implications. Such findings are vital for timely public health interventions.
Key Findings from India’s Infectious Disease Surveillance
The ICMR’s laboratory network detected pathogens in 11.1 percent of the 4.5 lakh patient samples examined. Specifically, the study identified five primary pathogens. Researchers found Influenza A prevalent in acute respiratory infection (ARI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases. Moreover, the dengue virus frequently occurred among acute fever and haemorrhagic fever patients. Hepatitis A emerged in jaundice cases. Norovirus caused acute diarrheal disease (ADD) outbreaks. Finally, the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was a common finding in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases.
The spread of infectious diseases showed a concerning trend. The infection rate rose from 10.7 percent in the first quarter (January-March 2025) to 11.5 percent in the second quarter (April-June 2025). This represents an increase of 0.8 percentage points. Consequently, this subtle yet significant rise necessitates stronger monitoring of infection trends. Healthcare professionals must, therefore, remain vigilant.
The Role of the VRDL Network in Infectious Disease Surveillance
The Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network, a crucial part of ICMR, serves as an early warning system for the country. Between January and March 2025, 24,502 (10.7 percent) of 2,28,856 samples contained pathogens. Subsequently, from April to June 2025, 26,055 (11.5 percent) of 2,26,095 samples yielded positive results. A senior scientist highlighted that while this increase may seem small, its implications are significant. It could signal the onset of seasonal diseases or the emergence of new infections. Therefore, continuous tracking of quarterly infection rates remains paramount for preventing future epidemics.
The VRDL network’s investigatory work is extensive. Between April and June this year, the network investigated 191 disease clusters. It identified various infectious diseases, including mumps, measles, rubella, dengue, and chikungunya. Furthermore, researchers detected rotavirus, norovirus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and astrovirus. Earlier, from January to March, the network investigated 389 disease clusters. These investigations identified a broad spectrum of pathogens. Specifically, these included mumps, measles, rubella, hepatitis, dengue, chikungunya, rotavirus, influenza, Leptospira, Varicella zoster virus, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
The network has demonstrated substantial growth and impact over time. From 2014 to 2024, it tested more than 40 lakh samples, identifying pathogens in 18.8 percent of them. The VRDLN expanded remarkably, from 27 laboratories in 2014 to 165 laboratories across 31 states and Union Territories by 2025. Through this expanding network, the ICMR has identified a total of 2,534 disease clusters across India to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What percentage of patients tested positive for pathogens in the recent ICMR study?
The recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that 11.1 percent of 4.5 lakh patients tested positive for various pathogens.
Q2: What were the top five pathogens detected in the study?
The top five pathogens detected were Influenza A (in ARI/SARI cases), dengue virus (in acute fever/haemorrhagic fever cases), Hepatitis A (in jaundice cases), Norovirus (in ADD outbreaks), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) (in AES cases).
Q3: How has the infection rate changed quarter-on-quarter in 2025?
The infection rate increased from 10.7 percent in the first quarter (January-March 2025) to 11.5 percent in the second quarter (April-June 2025), showing a rise of 0.8 percentage points.
References
- 1 in 9 persons tested found positive for infectious disease in ICMR study – ETHealthworld
- ICMR. (2025). Quarterly Report on Infectious Disease Surveillance in India.
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. (2024). National Health Mission Report: Disease Surveillance.
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