Molecular Microbiology and Human Diseases Research Programme

Advances in Molecular Biology have opened new approaches to studying the diversity of microorganisms in the environment; air, water and soil, and the human body. We concentrate mainly on diseases, both infectious and non-communicable(NCD) diseases that affect humans globally as well as locally. The current emphasis is on pulmonary diseases, particularly drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB. We also pay attention to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CKD with unknown aetiology (CKDu). In CKDu research, we investigate the presence or absence of cyanotoxins, electrolytes and fluoride in ground waters in CKDu endemic areas and the uptake mechanism of these risk factors in plants. Concentrating on the environmental microorganisms, we study the cyanobacterial diversity and the thermophilic microorganisms in hot springs of Sri Lanka, which are understudied areas. Another area of interest is air pollution, where we study indoor and outdoor microorganisms. 

We employ advanced laboratory techniques, including real-time PCR, metagenomics, whole-genome sequencing, microarray, RNA sequencing, HPLC, LC-MS, XRD, ICP-MS, and bioinformatic tools. Our project takes part in many multidisciplinary research ventures of national importance, serving the best with the existing laboratory facilities.

Microbes are an incredibly diverse group of fascinating creatures living around us. They play an essential role in our surrounding environment and the human body. Many microorganisms are beneficial and do not necessarily harm us or cause diseases. However, disrupting the balance between these extremes will adversely impact human and animal health. Therefore, it is vital to understand the microbial diversity and abundance around us to use these organisms in biotechnological applications and to prevent possible diseases caused by them. The government of Sri Lanka provides free healthcare to its citizens. CKDu is an increasing health concern in Sri Lanka, and the causative factors are still a mystery.

We study the above at the molecular level to find the root causes and develop rapid, low-cost molecular techniques for early diagnostics of human diseases.