Dr. Aparup Das
Research Profile
Dr. Aparup Das is a biomedical scientist and epidemiologist with extensive research experience in malaria, population genetics, genomics, pharmacogenomics, and public health. His work elegantly integrates evolutionary biology, infectious disease epidemiology, precision public health, One Health, and health equity. He places a critical focus on malaria parasites and vectors, vulnerable populations, and the intricate dynamics of island and tribal health ecosystems.
He has led multidisciplinary and internationally funded research programmes, contributing extensively to scientific publications, academic mentoring, institutional capacity building, and evidence-based public health policy development across India, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Scientific Contributions
Malaria Research & Elimination
Conducted multidisciplinary research spanning malaria epidemiology, molecular surveillance, vector biology, population genetics, and evolutionary biology. This work directly contributes to evidence-based malaria elimination strategies, including extensive field-based interventions in central India.
Evolutionary Genomics & Population Genetics
Advanced the global understanding of genetic diversity, population structure, natural selection, and pathogen-vector evolution through comprehensive genomic studies of Plasmodium and Anopheles populations across India, Southeast Asia, and African nations.
Drug Resistance & Pharmacogenomics
Contributed pivotal research on the molecular determinants of antimalarial and antituberculosis drug responses, including targeted pharmacogenomic investigations critical for advancing personalised therapeutics and overcoming resistance.
Tribal Health & Translational Research
Bridged laboratory genomics with field epidemiology and community health. Undertaken vital research on sickle cell disease and tuberculosis, integrating biomedical and epidemiological perspectives to assist tribal healers and vulnerable communities.
International Research Collaborations
Led and contributed to nationally and internationally funded multidisciplinary programmes, including NIH-supported malaria research, resulting in over 220+ scientific publications and sustained contributions to internationally recognised journals and public-health platforms.
Current Focus
Human NAT2 Pharmacogenomics and Tuberculosis
His recent research on N-Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genetic variation and tuberculosis pharmacogenomics focuses on understanding how inherited differences in NAT2 acetylation phenotypes influence the metabolism and therapeutic response to isoniazid. His work highlights the immense potential of NAT2 genotype-guided dosing to move TB treatment beyond the conventional "one-dose-fits-all" approach, particularly in genetically heterogeneous Indian populations and vulnerable tribal communities.
HLA Polymorphism and Tuberculosis Susceptibility
Addressing the role of host immunogenetic variation in determining vulnerability to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 13 case-control studies involving 1,951 TB cases and 2,109 controls. The analysis identified allele-specific and region-specific associations, including increased risk associated with HLA-A32 and HLA-B58 and a protective association for HLA-A1. This work provides a strong foundation for future immunogenetic and personalised approaches to TB prevention and treatment.
Barriers to Malaria Elimination & Hidden Parasitome
Focusing on the complexity of the final mile of malaria elimination in India's tribal, remote, and island populations. His work identifies the interacting roles of geographical and health-system barriers, diagnostic limitations, vector adaptation, drug resistance, and potential zoonotic reservoirs. The concept of the "hidden malaria parasitome" extends this perspective by highlighting cryptic, low-density, mixed, and zoonotic Plasmodium infections that may escape conventional surveillance, advocating a transition towards locally adapted One Health strategies.
Research Significance & Impact
Advancing Malaria Elimination
Addresses biological, ecological, epidemiological and health-system barriers to achieving the final stages of malaria elimination in India.
Hidden Malaria Transmission
Highlights cryptic, low-density, mixed and potentially zoonotic Plasmodium infections that may escape conventional surveillance.
Integrating One Health
Connects human, parasite, vector, animal and environmental dimensions to strengthen disease surveillance and elimination strategies.
Precision Medicine in TB
Applies NAT2 pharmacogenomics and HLA immunogenetics to understand individual and population-level variation in tuberculosis susceptibility.
Tribal & Island Populations
Generates evidence relevant to tribal, indigenous, geographically isolated and island communities, where conventional health interventions may have limited reach.
Bridging Science & Society
Integrates genomics, epidemiology, ecology and social determinants to develop context-specific, equitable and community-centred approaches to health.
Ph.D. Students Trained
Dedicated to rigorous academic mentorship and institutional capacity building in biomedical sciences, guiding scholars from prestigious universities across the nation.