Dr. Rehnuma Parvez
Research Profile
Dr. Rehnuma Parvez is a medical scientist with research expertise in medical microbiology and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Her work focuses on women’s reproductive health, human papillomavirus (HPV), reproductive tract infections, tuberculosis, oral cancer, and other infectious and public health problems affecting geographically isolated and tribal populations of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Her research integrates community based epidemiology, clinical and laboratory investigation, molecular diagnostics, and field oriented public health approaches, emphasizing evidence relevant to disease prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and health service delivery.
Scientific Contributions
HPV Epidemiology & Women’s Reproductive Health
Contributed population-based evidence on the prevalence, genotype distribution and determinants of cervical high-risk HPV infection among women of the Andaman Islands. This includes studying HPV genotype diversity, associated risk factors, the vaginal microbiome, and community-based investigations of female genital tuberculosis and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Tribal Health & Remote Island Epidemiology
Led and contributed to studies addressing important health problems among indigenous communities in the Nicobar Islands. Her work on oral premalignant and malignant lesions, oral health and tobacco-related risks has generated evidence from populations with limited access to specialist services.
Tuberculosis Research & Field Work
Her tuberculosis research has included studies among tribal populations and participation in a multicentric demonstration project for the reduction of tuberculosis in India. This reflects a continuing interest in translating epidemiological evidence into practical approaches for case detection and disease-control in hard-to-reach communities.
Laboratory Linked Infectious Disease Research
Her portfolio includes molecular and clinical epidemiology of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, enteroviral disease, respiratory infections, and sexually transmitted pathogens. As a collaborator, she contributes to projects on leptospirosis point-of-care diagnostics and childhood diarrhoea, linking laboratory investigation with surveillance.
Current Focus & Significance
Her ongoing research focuses on reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections among women in remote island communities, population-based assessment of community health through MRHRU Bambooflat, and tuberculosis case finding. She also contributes to research on the clinical progression of leptospirosis, including identifying early biomarkers associated with disease severity.
Dr. Parvez’s research addresses health problems that are especially important in remote island and tribal settings, where geography, transport, specialist access and population diversity influence disease patterns. By generating locally grounded evidence, this research supports context-specific strategies for prevention, diagnosis, referral and public-health action in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.