The Department of Biotechnology has launched  its first Ferret Research Facility, the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository to advance maternal and child health research.

• It also signed a crucial technology transfer agreement.

About GARBH-INi-DRISHTI Data Repository

• Developed at: Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI).
  • THSTI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT),  located in Faridabad (Haryana).

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• Purpose: It will provide access to one of South Asia’s largest pregnancy cohort datasets.
• Significance:
• • Contains clinical data, images, and biospecimens from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers.
  • Empowers global researchers to conduct studies on maternal and neonatal health.
• It is part of GARBH-INi Program, a national initiative for maternal and child health research.

About GARBH-INi Program

• Objective: Enhances maternal and child health research and develops prediction tools for preterm birth.
• Initiative by: Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Part of: Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission; Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI).

About India’s First Ferret Research Facility

• State-of-the-art biosafety laboratory designed for advanced biomedical research using ferrets.
• Strengthens India’s capacity for vaccine development, infectious disease research, and pandemic preparedness.
• Facility Location: THSTI, Faridabad, Haryana.

Why Ferrets?

• Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo):
• • Small, carnivorous mammals from the weasel family (Mustelidae).
  • Domesticated for over 2,500 years and commonly used in biomedical research.
• Ferrets are widely used in biomedical research, especially for:
  • Respiratory diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis.
  • Vaccine and drug testing for emerging infectious diseases.
  • Neurological and gastrointestinal studies.
  • Reproductive health and genetic research.
• Reason for Preference: Their respiratory system closely resembles humans, making them ideal for studying airborne diseases.

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About Lactobacillus crispatus

• Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus): A beneficial probiotic bacterium naturally present in the female reproductive and urinary tracts.
  • Helps maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and antimicrobial compounds.
• Lactobacillus crispatus & THSTI’s Research: THSTI isolated a genetically defined strain of L. crispatus from Indian women enrolled in the GARBH-INi cohort.
• Essential for pregnant women as it:
• • Reduces the risk of preterm birth.
  • Prevents infections linked to infertility and pregnancy complications.

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