Media Release
Udupi, Aug 11: The Manipal Centre for Infectious Diseases (MAC ID) organised a symposium on brain infections on August 1 at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal. The event was held along with the Tropical Infectious Diseases Subcommittee of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS), the Department of Infectious Diseases at KMC Manipal, and the ICMR CLIMB-INDIA Study Group.
The symposium was conducted in hybrid mode, so that delegates could join both in person and online. It was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Dr Kavitha Saravu, professor and unit head, Department of Infectious Diseases, KMC, MAHE, and coordinator, MAC ID, welcomed the delegates. The inaugural address was given by Prof Ajaz Nabi Koul, Chairperson, CIDS Tropical Infectious Diseases Subcommittee, and professor and head, Infectious Diseases, SKIMS, Kashmir.
The scientific sessions had three expert lectures. Dr Kavitha Saravu spoke on the approach to meningoencephalitis in India. Dr Kavitha Shettigar, associate professor, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, MCHP, MAHE, spoke on molecular diagnostics for the early detection of pathogens causing meningoencephalitis. Dr. Angel Miraclin, associate professor, Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, spoke on lymphocytic meningitis, covering tuberculosis and beyond.
The lectures were followed by an interactive panel discussion on interesting cases of brain. The panel featured Dr Angel Miraclin, Dr Arvind N Prabhu, Dr Muralidhar Varma, Dr Prithvishree Ravindra, and Dr Sharath P S from the KMC Manipal and Mangaluru campuses. During the discussion, the speakers pointed out that many of these infections are closely linked to the region's climate conditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kavitha Saravu said, “Brain infections are often missed or diagnosed late, and that costs us precious time. What we are seeing now is that changing climate and rainfall patterns in our region are directly influencing the spread of many of these infections. Early diagnosis, better lab support, and doctors from different departments working together can save many lives. That is exactly why a platform like this is so important.”
The symposium drew a good response, with more than 50 delegates attending onsite and over 50 more joining online. The audience included MBBS students, postgraduate students, faculty members, and practicing clinicians from various specialties. It provided a strong platform for cross-departmental learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in the field of brain infections. Adheena Joemon was the master of ceremonies, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Gowthami A.