Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC) is one of the permanent institutes of Indian Council of Medical Research established in 1975 at Pondicherry. The VCRC is Centre of Excellence for research and training in vector-borne diseases and control and a WHO collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Lymphatic Filariasis and integrated methods of vector control.

• 1. Publications (709). 2. Molecular diagnosis of Vector Mosquitoes: rDNA-ITS2 based probes for Anopheles fluviatilis and rDNA-ITS2 region for members of Anopheles subpictus. 3. Major research projects: 4. Molecular diagnosis for filarial parasite: a) Two genes specific for infective stage (L3) larvae of Wuchereria bancrofti were identified, sequenced and developed as probes for detecting vector infectivity by RT-PCR assay. b) A monoclonal antibody specific to e/s antigens of fourth stage larvae of Wuchereria bancrofti was developed which has potential application in the early diagnosis of filarial infection. c) PCR assays developed for detecting Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi infection in respective vectors were evaluated and found to be highly specific. Sensitivity-wise B. malayi PCR assay was found to be equal to the conventional technique and that of Wuchereria bancrofti was less. d) A simple, efficient, rapid and cost-effective method for the extraction of DNA from a single mf in pools of 25 mosquitoes, stable for about a year and suitable for PCR amplification yielding a species specific band of 322 bp with primers specific for Brugia malayi was developed. e) Random Amplified Fragment (RAPD) analysis of Wuchereria bancrofti from three villages showed heterogeneity among parasite population. f) The sensitivity and specificity of the day blood Immunochormatography Card Test (ICT) for bancroftian filariasis was 98.5% and 100% respectively compared to the finger prick thick smear night blood test. g) The ICT is suitable for delimitation and for spot treatment decision as the result is available within 2-5 min of testing. h) The sensitivity and specificity of Og4C3 monoclonal antibody ELISA test were 100% and 97% respectively compared to the finger prick thick smear night blood test. i) The Og4C3 kit is suitable for quantifying antigen levels for monitoring and evaluation of control programmes. 5. Immunoprophylactics for malarial parasites: Two conserved antigens of Plasmodium falciparum which hold promise as vaccine candidates were expressed in E. coli and these were found to contain novel genes, which were conserved across different species of Plasmodium. 6. The VCRC has two field stations Koraput, Odisha & Kottayam, Kerala. 7. Human Resource Development Activities: Institute offers Public Health Entomology, doctoral programmes. 8. Institute also conducts Short Term Students’ Project training. 9. Formal Training Programme: Institute condust formal training programmes on need basis mostly related to Integrated Vector Management (IVM) for Public Health Personnel from India and abroad sponsored by National Vector Borne Diseases (NVBDCP), WHO / SEARO. 10. Workshops: Centre organizes workshops in collaboration with the WHO / SEARO, from time to time. 11. Collaboration & Networking: Regional, national, international. 12. Chemical agents for mosquito control. 13. Indigenous Products: Development of an insect repellent DEPA (N,N-Diethyl Phenyl Acetamide), synthetic pyrethroid esters, insect growth regulators, and oviposition attractant. 14. Evaluation of insecticides from Pesticide Industries: Organophosphorus compounds, Carbamate compounds, Synthetic pyrethroids, Insect growth regulators, Surface film-producing compounds, and Insecticidal paint. 15. Insecticide impregnated fabric trap (IIFT). 16. Environment and Vector Borne Diseases: Major Activities Envisaged include Creation of information date-base on Vectors, Development of a net-work between the ICMR and other Institutions, Generating Risk Maps, Preparation of Forecasting System / Model, Developing Decision Making Tools and Facilitates training on RS / GIS. 17. Vector Ecology and Behavior: Major activities of the centre include studies on Behaviour of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of bancroftian filariasis, and Mansonioides, the vectors of Brugian filariasis, and vectors of Malaria. 18. Vector Population Dynamics: Population dynamics of Armigeres subalbatus and Phlebotomins. 19. Multiple studies have been done prevention, management and control of infection and morbidity. 20. Monitoring and evaluation of intervention for vector borne diseases includes Selective Chemotherapy, Mass chemotherapy, Mass medicated Salt, Morbidity management, Implementation of strategy, Cost analysis of control strategies. 21. Malaria control in a tribal area through strengthening the Traditional Health Care Personnel.