Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology,
KLES Hospital, Belgaum

Introduction

Unlike the specified organs and organ systems, the immune system is widespread in the body. Dysfunction of this system can therefore manifest either as single or multi-organ diseases. Patients with these immunological diseases abound in clinical practice. As an upcoming specialty of Medicine, Clinical Immunology deals with various autoimmune connective tissue disorders which includes Rheumatology (joint diseases), immunodeficiency diseases like AIDS and Primary immunodeficiency diseases and hypersensitivity diseases like allergies.

The Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, which was started in this hospital in January 2002, has established itself as a tertiary care referral care referral center for immunological disorders in North Karnataka, South Maharashtra and Goa. The department with Dr. Arun Shrivastava as Head and Dr. Dhanita Khanna in its faculty, has created awareness about this relatively new subject amongst doctors as well as general population through various programs including CMEs and camps. The OPD is presently located in Hall No. 31 of OPD block (2nd floor).

A specialized immunology ‘autoantibody’ lab has been started since April 2004. Such a specialized lab is available in only few select centre in the country and was not available in this entire region. This autoantibody lab has been set up and is being managed by Dr. Dhanita Khanna as its incharge.

Department activities:

•  Regular OP and IP services.

• Specialized autoantibody lab: Tests based on Immunofluorescence, ELISA, blotting techniques being conducted routinely (details at KLESH ex 1363 or immunlakle@ yahoo.co.in).

• Research activities: Basic and clinical.

• Articles published/accepted/submitted to national and international journals.

• Published Immunology & Rheumatology update 2006 book for non-Rheumatologists.