Shivani Pasricha

Research Overview

The Pasricha Lab employs molecular and genomic approaches to improve the detection and prevention of infectious diseases, with a strong focus on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, emerging pathogens like mpox, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The lab is particularly focused on developing and validating rapid, point-of-care diagnostics using advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas systems. These tools are designed for multiplexed detection of pathogens and resistance markers to support timely clinical decision-making and public health responses, particularly in resource-limited and remote settings.

The research program is highly collaborative, engaging closely with clinical researchers, public health agencies, and laboratory networks to ensure rigorous clinical validation and practical utility. Through this work, the Pasricha Lab aims to set new benchmarks in infectious disease diagnostics, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and improve health outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.

Staff

  • Dr Lu Liu (Postdoctoral Fellow)
  • Mr Dheeraj Venkatachalam (PhD Student)
  • Ms Anthea Hardosubroto (Masters Student)
  • Mr Matthew O’Neill (Senior Research Assistant)
  • Ms Jacqueline Prestedge (Senior Project Manager and Graduate Researcher)

Collaborators

  • Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory (VIDRL)
  • Melbourne Diagnostic Unit (MDU)
  • Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC)
  • Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)

Funding

  • Australian Department of Health
  • NHMRC
  • Department of Health Victoria
  • ARC ITRP Research Hub
  • Gilead Australia
  • Philanthropy - Norman Beischer and Sir Wilfred & C.H. Brookes Foundations
  • Internal Faculty (MDHS) and Doherty Institute

Research Publications

  1. Low SJ*, O’Neill M*…Pasricha S*, Williamson DA*. Rapid detection of monkeypox virus using a CRISPR-Cas12a mediated assay: A laboratory validation and evaluation study. Lancet Microbe 2023; DOI: 10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00148-9
  2. Low, SJ*, O'Neill M*…Pasricha S*. CRISPR-Cas-based Diagnostics for Point-of-Care Detection of Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Laboratory Development and Evaluation Study. Lancet Microbe 2025. IN PRESS
  3. Low SJ…Pasricha S*, Williamson DA*. PathoGD: an integrative genomics approach to primer and guide RNA design for CRISPR-based diagnostics. Communications Biology. 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-07591-1
  4. Taouk ML*, Taiaroa G*, Pasricha S*, Herman S*…Williamson DA. Characterisation of Treponema pallidum lineages within the contemporary syphilis outbreak in Australia: A genomic epidemiological analysis Lancet Microbe. 2022; DOI: 10.1016/S2666-5247(22)00035-0
  5. Williams E*, Low SJ*…Pasricha S, Williamson DA. Novel approach to selecting a contemporary Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain for human challenge: a genomics-based analysis. Lancet Microbe 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101105

Research Projects

For project inquiries, contact our research group head.

Faculty Research Themes

Infection and Immunology

School Research Themes

Ageing, Neuroscience & Psychiatry, Critical Care, Musculoskeletal , Cardiometabolic

Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact Dr Shivani Pasricha

Department / Centre

Infectious Diseases

Unit / Centre

Shivani Pasricha

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