Department of Microbiology

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 was observed at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, through a series of academic and interactive activities organised by the Hospital Infection Society of India (HISI) – Aligarh Chapter, in collaboration with the Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC), the American Society for Microbiology and partner institutions.

The week began with an online sensitisation session by Prof Fatima Khan for faculty and students of Autonomous Medical College, Amethi, focusing on antimicrobial stewardship, global AMR challenges and the importance of establishing HISI and ASM student chapters to strengthen research engagement.

At JNMC, the Dean, Prof Mohd Khalid, addressed students on the significance of antimicrobial awareness in clinical practice, while the Principal & CMS shared insights from surgical care, underscoring the importance of strict isolation protocols and responsible antimicrobial use.

A CME titled “Know Your Antimicrobials: NEET PG Perspective” was organised for undergraduate students, featuring Dr Siraj Ahmad from PW MedEd, who delivered a structured review of essential antimicrobial concepts, TB-control strategies and examination-oriented problem-solving. This was followed by an interactive quiz on antimicrobials and infection control conducted by Prof Fatima Khan, with enthusiastic student participation and prize distribution.

The week concluded with the 3rd Annual Interdepartmental Faculty Quiz, “Kaun Banega (Infection) Controlpati,” organised by HICC and HISI Aligarh Chapter. The Department of TB and Respiratory Diseases (Dr Nafees Ahmad Khan and Dr Shahzad Anwar) won the competition, followed by the Department of Physiology as first runner-up and the Department of Ophthalmology as second runner-up. Prizes were distributed by Prof Adil Raza, Chairman, Department of Microbiology, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Shariq Ahmed.

The programmes collectively reinforced antimicrobial stewardship, fostered examination-oriented learning and promoted an engaging academic culture across the institution.

Prof. Fatima Khan from the Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), participated in the North-West Chapter Conference of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM), MICROCON, held at Adesh University, Bathinda. She was invited as a special guest in her capacity as the Ambassador to India for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Prof. Khan introduced the delegates to the vision, mission, and global outreach of ASM—a premier international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing microbial sciences in over 150 countries. She emphasized the significant benefits of becoming an ASM member, including access to leading microbiology journals, travel grants, project funding opportunities, training programs, and professional development support through its Ambassador Program.

She also shared highlights of her association with ASM, which includes organizing funded workshops, launching the JNMC-AMU Student Chapter, securing international travel grants to attend ASM Microbe conferences, and her recent selection as a mentor for the ASM Fellowship Program commencing in May 2025.

The Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, has intensified its community engagement through a series of free Viral Hepatitis Testing and Awareness Camps conducted under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP). These outreaches were organized at urban health facilities, community clusters and the District Jail, bringing screening and counselling services directly to high‑risk and underserved populations.​

Each camp provided no-cost screening for viral hepatitis (primarily hepatitis B and C) along with focused health education on prevention, safe injection practices, safe sex, and avoidance of unsafe tattooing and blood exposure. IEC material and posters emphasized key preventive messages such as hand hygiene, use of reputable tattoo facilities, and the availability of free testing and treatment for viral hepatitis at JNMC, AMU.​

A notable initiative was the camp organized on 29 July 2024 at the District Jail, Aligarh, where incarcerated individuals received on-site screening and counselling—an important step in addressing hepatitis burden in closed settings. Another camp held on 21 August 2024 targeted a community cluster, further consolidating the department’s outreach footprint during the 2024–25 session.

Through these repeated, field‑based campaigns, the Department of Microbiology has positioned JNMC, AMU as a key implementing and referral center for the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program in the region. The sustained outreach is contributing to early detection, improved awareness, and better linkage to free care for viral hepatitis among vulnerable and hard‑to‑reach groups around Aligarh.



>>>Video Link Of the Skit performed by students

October 15 is celebrated as Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of hand-washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The theme of this year’s global hand-washing day is hand-washing food and nutrition. On this occasion, the HISI Aligarh Chapter organized the Hygienesia Fair, where the MBBS students put up stalls and disseminated the message of hand hygiene and associated it with the importance of clean, hygienic, and nutritious food.

   The Fair was Inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Hamida Tariq, an eminent pediatrician and president of the women’s club of AMU. She said that the HISI Aligarh Chapter has always made efforts to celebrate this day and disseminate the message of hand hygiene clearly and loudly. The Guest of Honour, Prof. Naima Gulrez, visited the stalls along with the chief guest and said that consistency in following hand hygiene has been her Mantra since COVID times and urged others to follow the same to prevent the transmission of infection.

   Dr. Fatima Khan, Secretary of HISI Aligarh Chapter, said that Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at all times.

   Prof. Rakesh Bhargava, Dean Principal, and CMS JNMCH applauded the efforts of HISI Aligarh Chapter.

   Prof. Haris M Khan, President of HISI Aligarh Chapter and Chairman Department of Microbiology, appreciated the efforts of the undergraduate students. The students also presented a skit to spread the message of hand hygiene.

   Dr. Nazish Fatima, Dr. Adil Raza, Dr. Asfia Sultan, Dr. Hiba Sami, Dr. Anees Akhtar, and Dr. Shariq Ahmed, Department of Microbiology, were also present. The stalls were judged by Prof. Farah Ghaus, Department of Anatomy, Prof. Shaista Afroz, Department of Prosthodontics, Dr. Anwar Hasan Siddique, Department of Physiology, and Dr. Syed Mohd. Danish Qasim Department of Radiodiagnosis, based on their appearance, delivery of the theme, and innovation in food and games. The team Healthy Hangouts of MBBS 2021 Batch was declared the winner.

Prof Rakesh Bhargava (Dean, Faculty of Medicine) pressed for the need to raise awareness among common people about the dangers of Hepatitis—a severe liver disease that can be caused due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. He also discussed the prevalence of exposure of healthcare workers to various viruses, including Hepatitis.

While speaking on the safety of health care workers, Prof Haris M Khan (Medical Superintendent) pointed out: “Healthcare workers have a high risk of occupational exposure to many diseases, but these transmissible infections are preventable by vaccination.”   

Dr. Husaini S Haider Mehdi, Dr. Ahmad Ansari, and Dr. Asfia Sultan conducted various sessions in the clinical workshop. Dr. Bhanu Chaudhary engaged in a Clinical Case Scenario based discussion with the participants. Mukul Verma and Dr. Ritik Garg spoke about Needlestick injuries and steps to avoid such incidences. In the quiz contest, MBBS 2019 batch students Mohammad Kamran and Mustafa Shamsi bagged the first and second prizes, respectively; also, Medical and dental students performed a skit on Hepatitis prevention. Prof Haris with Dr. Fatima Khan also felicitated the speakers with certificates. Dr. Lakhan Prakash Gupta extended the vote of thanks.

The Department of Microbiology in association with Makeintern and E cell of IIT Kharagpur organized a hands on workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare on 25th August 2022. Prof. Haris M Khan welcomed the participants and emphasized that AI can play a crucial role in global public health as a tool for combatting epidemics and pandemics as well as in routine health care. Prof. Rakesh Bhargava said that  Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. The term may also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with a human mind such as learning and problem-solving. The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal.  AI has proven to be very fruitful in analyzing X rays especially during Covid times. .

Dr. Puneet Kacker, Functional and Industry Analytics Manager, Applied Intelligence, Strategy and Consulting, Accenture sensitized the participants regarding AI followed by a hands on brainstorming workshop. Dr. Fatima Khan, Faculty Coordinator, presented the vote of thanks.

“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Celebrating the 75 years of India’s independence, the Department of Microbiology, J. N. Medical College, organized a program which included a Quiz competition for faculty and students, on the theme of India’s struggle for Independence.

Prof. Haris M. Khan, Chairman Department of Microbiology inaugurated the program and in his enlightening words, stressed on the importance of Honesty and dedication towards our professional jobs, work and personnel lives.

Miss Nandini Sharma (Student, BMLS) spoke on the history and evolution of the design of Indian Tricolor (The National flag of India).Dr. Mohd. Najmul Islam conducted the program.

We are pleased to inform that Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology, JNMCH has been accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) in accordance with ISO 15189:2012 for Molecular testing of SARS – CoV-2 (COVID-19). NABL accreditation is a rigorous process which ensures the Quality of testing and procedures. The accreditation needs to be renewed every 2 years and includes periodical surveillance by the NABL to monitor the quality management of the testing laboratory. VRDL- Department of Microbiology, JNMCH has done the Covid-19 RT-PCR Testing of More than 5 Lakh patients till date.



Documentary Link

In a yearly reminder about hand washing as one of the best steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs; faculty members, resident doctors and students connected with the Hospital Infection Control Committee, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the Hospital Infection Society - India, Aligarh Chapter and the Cultural Education Centre (CEC) observed the ‘Global Hand Hygiene Day’.

On the occasion, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor released a special documentary to pay homage to the pioneer of antiseptic procedures, Dr Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis, showing his work on the importance of hand washing for medical professionals.

“Hand hygiene is the first step in preventing cross-transmission of microorganisms, which can help in prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections. The entire world is, in fact, emphasizing the importance of hand washing since the COVID outbreak”, said Prof Mansoor.  

He added: There is a need to create awareness on how the notion of hygiene is built on the relationship between cleanliness and the maintenance of good health.

Prof Rakesh Bhargava (Dean, Faculty of Medicine) administered the ‘Semmelweis Oath’ (Hand Hygiene Pledge).

In the welcome address, Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui (Principal, JNMC) apprised faculty members and students about the activities of Hospital Infection Control Committee and HISI Aligarh Chapter.

He also spoke about the training imparted to faculty, resident doctors, nurses, students and other healthcare workers to curb the Covid pandemic.  

Prof Haris M Khan (President HISI Aligarh Chapter and Medical Superintendent) extended the vote of thanks.

Dr Fatima Khan (Secretary HISI Aligarh Chapter) conducted the program.

A vaccination camp against Hepatitis B for the interns was also organized to mark the occasion.  

• Springer Publishes Book “Beta-Lactam Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria: Threats and Challenges” Edited by Prof. Mohammad Shahid (Ex-Faculty, Dept. of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU), Dr. Hiba Sami, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU and Dr. Anuradha Singh, Research Assistant, Dept. of Microbiology, JNMCH, AMU. The Book Covers different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Gram Negative Bacteria. Discusses the genetic basis of resistance and the various antibiotic resistant genes and Provides information about current reserve drugs and newer antibiotic agents in pipeline