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Dr. Bhagya Deepachandi

Senior Lecturer

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Profile

Dr. Bhagya Deepachandi is a B.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (special) graduate from Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and has over 10 years of research experience. She completed her Ph.D. in the field of Molecular and Immunoparasitology from Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and then worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo for about 18 months.

During her Ph.D. work, she mainly worked on human leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Findings of her study were published in several international research journals and scientific conferences as mentioned below. She further obtained few national patents from the novel findings of her Ph.D study. During her postdoctoral period, she obtained both research and academic experience. Her postdoctoral research group was able to develop an in-house ELISA based immunoassay for detection of serum antibodies in COVID-19 patients.

Currently, she is working as a Senior Lecturer attached to the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University. Her main research interests focus on the molecular and immunological aspects of human diseases.

Research Interests

  • Molecular and immunological aspects of human diseases

Memberships

  • A member of “Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka” (2022-present)
  • A member of “Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists” (2015-present)
  • A life member of “Allergy & Immunology Society of Sri Lanka (AISSL)” (2014-present)

Journal Publications

  1. Pathirana, S.L., Deepachandi, B., Gunasekera, P., et al. (2024). Development and evaluation of in-house ELISAs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in COVID-19 patients in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Microbiology, 2024, Article ID 1331067, 11 pages.
  2. Deepachandi. B., Weerasinghe, S., Gunathilake, H, Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2024). In vitro growth of visceralizing Leishmania species in an endemic setting of Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis: an observational study. Experimental Parasitology, 259, 108710.
  3. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Soysa, P., Chattergee, M., Siriwardana, Y. (2023). Serological studies on rK39 unresponsive visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic focus of Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 105 (3), 115873, DOI: 1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115873.
  4. Deepachandi, B., Ejazi, S.A., Bhattacharyya, A., Ali, A., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2022). Measuring the sero-prevalence of Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis: a method comparison study. Parasitology International, 92, 102660, DOI: 1016/j.parint.2022.102660.
  5. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Karunaweera, K., Udagedara, C., Warnasuriya, W., Wickremarathne, C., Ranawaka, R.R., Kahawita, I. (2021). First evidence from Sri Lanka for subphenotypic diversity within classical cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani. BioMed Research International, Article ID 3537968, DOI: 1155/2021/3537968.
  6. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Ranasinghe, S., Andrahennadi, T.P., Wickramanayake, M.N., Siri, S., Karunaweera, N., Chandrasekharan, V., Chatterjee, M., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). First serological study revealing high humoral response and evidence for antigenic heterogeneity in Leishmania donovani induced CL in Sri Lanka. BioMed Research International, Article ID 5271657, DOI: 1155/2020/5271657.
  7. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Gunathilake, H., Andrahennadi, T.P., Wickramanayake, M.N., Siri, S., Chandrasekharan, V., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). Pre-validation of an ELISA for detection of a new clinical entity: Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. International Journal of Analytical Chemistry, Article ID 9289651, DOI: 1155/2020/9289651.
  8. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Andrahennadi, T.P., Karunaweera, N., Wickramarachchi, N., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). Quantification of soluble or insoluble Leishmania parasite proteins in micro-volume applications: a simplification to standard Lowry assay. International Journal of Analytical Chemistry, Article ID 6129132, DOI: 1155/2020/6129132.
  9. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., Weliange, S. de S., Udagedara, C., Zhou, G., Wickremarathne, C., Warnasuriya, W., Ranawaka, R.R., Kahawita, I., Chandrawansa, P.H., Karunaweera, N.D. (2019). First evidence for two independent and different leishmaniasis transmission foci in Sri Lanka. Journal of Tropical Medicine, Article ID 6475939, DOI: 1155/2019/6475939.
  10. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2019). A highly sensitive modified nested PCR to enhance case detection in leishmaniasis. BMC Infectious Diseases, 19, 623, DOI: 1186/s12879-019-4180-3.
  11. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., Gunasekara, C., Warnasooriya, W., Karunaweera, N.D. (2019). Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis: an insight in to atypical clinical variants in Sri Lanka. Journal of Tropical Medicine, Article ID 4538597, DOI: 1155/2019/4538597.
  12. Ejazi, S.A., Ghosh, S., Saha, S., Choudhury, S.T., Bhattacharyya, A., Chatterjee, M., Pandey, K., Das, V.N.R., Das, P., Rahaman, M., Goswami, R.P., Rai, K., Bhattarai, N.R., Deepachandi, B., Sriwardhana, Y., Karunaweera, N., Brito, M.E.F., Gomes, Y.M., Nakazawa, M., Costa, C.H.N., Adem, E., Yeshanew, A., Fikre, H., Hurissa, Z., Diro, E., Moreno, F.J., Ali, N. (2019). A global comparative evaluation of the performance of immunochromatographic dipstick test in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Ethiopia and Spain for the serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Scientific Reports, 9, 9932, DOI: 1038/s41598-019-46283-9.
  13. Siriwardana, Y., Zhou, G., Deepachandi, B., Akarawita, J., Wickremarathne, C., Warnasooriya, W., Udagedara, C., Ranawaka, R.R., Kahawita, I., Ariyawansa, D., Sirimanna, G., Chandrawansa, P.H., Karunaweera, N.D. (2019). Trends in recently emerged Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis, Sri Lanka, for first 13 years. BioMed Research International, Article ID 4093603, DOI: 1155/2019/4093603.
  14. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., Ranasinghe, S., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N. (2018). Evidence for seroprevalence in human localized cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka. BioMed Research International, Article ID 9320367, DOI: 10.1155/2018/9320367

Conference (Full Paper) Publications

  1. Akini Karunanayake, Maheshi Anuradha Thilakarathna, Imran Khan, Nazif Ullah, Bhagya
    Deepachandi. Trends in forensic microbiology and the future directions in Sri Lanka.
    International Conference on Transformative Applied Research (ICTAR’2024), NSBM Green
    University, Published by T & F.
  2. Yasmitha Kavindi, Nivedha Uthayarajan, Thilina Gunathilaka, Bhagya Deepachandi. Association of blood groups and food allergies in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Transformative Applied Research (ICTAR’2024), NSBM Green University, Published by T & F.
  3. Gilion Stephanie, Prameesha Rajapakshe, Pasan C. Fernando, Madhavi Hewadikaram, Bhagya Deepachandi. Next generation sequencing in disease diagnosis. International Conference on Transformative Applied Research (ICTAR’2024), NSBM Green University.
  4. B. Deepachandi: The battle against leprosy in Sri Lanka. 6th International conference on business innovation, NSBM Green University (2023).
  5. B. Deepachandi, M. Hewadikaram: Advances of molecular diagnosis for the detection of human leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. 6th International conference on business innovation, NSBM Green University (2023).
  6. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Siridewa, K., Weliange, S. de. S., Siriwardana, Y. (2021). Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: analysis of epidemiological profiles. 6th International conference for women in science without borders, Embu, Kenya.
  7. Deepachandi, B., Siridewa, K., Ejazi, S., Bhattacharyya, A., Ali, N., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2021). Sero-prevalence of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: a method comparison study. 6th International conference for women in science without borders, Embu, Kenya.
  8. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Siridewa, K., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2021). A sensitive tool for molecular detection of Leishmania parasites, 6th International conference for women in science without borders, Embu, Kenya.

Conference (Abstract) Publications

  1. Perera MGP, Aluthgamage AIA, Deepachandi B: Unraveling drug resistance in Mycobacterium leprae. Annual Science Research Symposium, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University (2024).
  2. Karunanayake AI, Deepachandi B: Trends in Forensic Microbiology and the future directions in Sri Lanka. Annual Science Research Symposium, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University (2024). 
  3. Udalagama SWMRMPR, Nanayakkara KHST, Silva AHTR, Deepachandi B: Epidemiological trends and clinical patterns of eczema and psoriasis. Annual Science Research Symposium, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University (2024).
  4. Perera KRN, Deepachandi B, Rukshala BAD, Vijithsingh NN, Premawansa S, Handunnetti SM. Inhibition of IgE-independent basophil (RBL-2H3) degranulation by the aqueous seed and fruit peel extracts of Punica granatum. 4th International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences (ICFMLS), Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo (2024).
  5. Ragunaathan R, Rukshala BAD, Navaneeta N, Deepachandi B, Pathirana PPSL, Handunnetti SM. Effect of extracts of Artocarpus nobilis on inhibition of compound 48/80 induced degranulation and histamine release by rat (RBL-2H3) basophils. 4th International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences (ICFMLS), Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo (2024).
  6. Jayawardana AD, Pathirana SL, Deepachandi B, Gunasekara P, Fernando N, Handunnetti SM, Nitsche A. Dynamics of neutralizing antibodies in a selected cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and vaccine recipients in Sri Lanka. 4th International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences (ICFMLS), Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo (2024).
  7. Senanayake GT, Ranathunga CL, Gangani PD, Silva YDD, Deepachandi B, Fernando N, Rajapakse J, Premawansa S, Handunnetti S, Pathirana SL. Detection of Leptospira kirschneri and L. Borgpetersenii in urine samples of cattle and buffaloes in Kurunegala District in Sri Lanka. 4th International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences (ICFMLS), Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo (2024).
  8. G. Kandambi, W.G.K. Anuradha, B. Deepachandi, S. Bandara, U. Karunathilake, S.M. Handunnetti, S.L. Pathirana: In vitro immunomodulatory effects of Sath Dharanee on human neutrophils interacted with Spike Protein 1 of SARS-CoV-2. 10th Biennial Scientific Sessions, The Allergy and Immunology Society of Sri Lanka, OP2 (2024).
  9. C. de Silva, S. De Kostha, D. Gangani, U. Karunathilake, S. Bandara, S. Handunetti, S.L. Pathirana, B. Deepachandi: In vitro effect of a polyherbal formulation, ‘FN’ on oxidation response of endothelial cells interacted with dengue virus. 10th Biennial Scientific Sessions, The Allergy and Immunology Society of Sri Lanka, PP3 (2024).
  10. B. Deepachandi, N. Ullah: Enhancing molecular and serological diagnosis of human leprosy in Sri Lanka: Renewing efforts in the battle against leprosy. International Workshop on Molecular Diagnostics in Microbiology and Diseases, The International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education, Qui Nhon, Vietnam (2023). 
  11. I.C.S. Wittachchi, M.D.T.L. Gunathilaka, B. Deepachandi: Understanding a sore throat and its management. Annual Science Research Symposium, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University, OP03 (2023).
  12. J.R. Geeganage, M.D.T.L. Gunathilaka, B. Deepachandi: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower. Annual Science Research Symposium, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University, PP01 (2023).
  13. A.U. Maha Gamage, T. Rathnayaka, B. Deepachandi, S. Weerasinghe, T.P. Andrahennadi, C. Witharana, Y. Siriwardana: Use of fractions isolated from crude lysate of Leishmania in serology and analysis of clinical epidemiological data: A preliminary study. Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, OP43 (2023).
  14. Pathirana, S.L., Deepachandi, B., Gunasekara, P., Premawansa, G., Namalie, D., Fernando, N., Perera, I.C., Nanayakkara, S., Kumarasinghe, D., Gangani, P.D., Thambyarajah, J., Perera, T., Siriwardana, S., Manilgama, S., Sumathipala, S., Muthugala, R., Rajapakse, S., Dassanayake, D., De Silva, R., Premawansa, S., Nitsche, A., Handunnetti, S. (2023). Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies in COVID-19 patients and naïve recipients of different COVID-19 vaccines in Sri Lanka, Annual Scientific Sessions, Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, OP24 (Awarded as the best oral presenter).
  15. Samarakone, A.S.C., Deepachandi, B., Ejazi, S.A., Bhattacharyya, A., Ali, N., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2022). Serodiagnosis of Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis: a method comparison study. Colombo Medical Congress, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, PP05.
  16. Siriwardana, Y., Thalayarathna, L., Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Rathnayaka, T. S., Soysa, P. (2022). Improved in-house ELISA for serodiagnosis of Leishmania donovani induced cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Colombo Medical Congress, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, OP08.
  17. Gamage, A.M., Rathnayaka, T., Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Andrahennadi, T. P., Witharana, C., Siriwardana, Y. (2022). Usefulness of different fractions of cell lysate of Leishmania in serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis; a preliminary study. Colombo Medical Congress, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, OP09.
  18. Pathirana, S.L., Gunasekara, P., Deepachandi, B., Janage, S.N., De Silva, R., Dassanayake, D., Fernando, N., Weerasena, J., Handunnetti, S. (2022). In-house development of a rapid antigen test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections. 3rd International Conference of Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences (ICFMLS), Univesity of Colombo, Sri Lanka. PP01.
  19. Pathirana, S.L., Gunasekara, P., Premawansa, G., Namalie, D., Fernando, N., Perera, I.C., Nanayakkara, S., Kumarasinghe, D., Gangani, P.D., Thambyarajah, J., Deepachandi, B., Perera, T., Siriwardana, S., Manilgama, S., Sumathipala, S., Muthugala, R., Rajapakse, S., Dassanayake, D., De Silva, R., Handunnetti, S., Premawansa, S., Nitsche, A. (2022). Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in Sri Lankan patients: a preliminary study using an in-house ELISA. 3 rd International Conference of Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences (ICFMLS), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. OP03 (Awarded as the best oral presenter).
  20. Deepachandi, B., Siridewa, K., Weerasinghe, S., Andrahennadi, T.P., Karunaweera, N., Wickramarachchi, N., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2021). A novel methodology for quantifying micro-volumes of parasite antigens for immunological applications. Allergy & Immunology Society of Sri Lanka, 9th Biennial Scientific Sessions. OP01.
  21. Deepachandi, B., Siridewa, K., Weerasinghe, S., Andrahennadi, T.P., Wickramanayake, M.N., Karunaweera, N., Chandrasekharan, V., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2021). Establishment of an immunological assay for detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Allergy & Immunology Society of Sri Lanka, 9th Biennial Scientific Sessions. PP03 (Awarded as the best poster presenter).
  22. Deepachandi, B., Siridewa, K., Weerasinghe, S., Gunathilake, H., Karunaweera, N., Udagedara, C., Warnasuriya, W., Wickremarathne, C., Ranawaka, R.R., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). First report on clinical diversity within classical cutaneous leishmaniasis: parasite or host related?. Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. OP09.
  23. Deepachandi, B., Gange, Y.R., Weerasinghe, C.S., Gunathilake, H., Andrahennadi, T.P., Wickramarachchi, N., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). A novel and accurate tool for quantification of proteins in micro-volume applications. Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. PP07.
  24. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Karunaweera, N., Karunanayaka, P., Gooneratna, L., Ratnatilaka, A., Senanayake, S., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). Visceral leishmaniasis: an emerging health threat in Sri Lanka. Colombo Medical Congress, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. PP58.
  25. Deepachandi, B., Andrahennadi, T.P., Weerasnghe, S., Karunaweera, N., Senanayake, S., Chatterjee, M., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). A novel serological tool for diagnosis of human leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Colombo Medical Congress, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. PP23.
  26. Deepachandi, B., Siridewa, K., Dayananda, S., Gange, Y., Weerasinghe, S., Akarawita, J., Gunasekara, C., Wickremarathne, C., Warnasuriya, W., Ranawaka, R.R., Udagedara, C., Sirimanna, G., Chandrawansa, P.H., Ariyawansa, D., Kahawita, I., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2020). Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka revisited: analyses reveal novel epidemiological findings. Colombo Medical Congress, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. OP26.
  27. Deepachandi, B., Gange, Y., Dayananda, S., Weerasinghe, S., Senanayake, S., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2019). A novel PCR assay to enhance case detection of human leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. OPA01.
  28. Deepachandi, B., Dayananda, S., Gange, Y., Andrahennadi, T., Weerasinghe, S., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2019). A highly sensitive modified nested PCR to enhance case detection of human leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. 132nd Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association. OP3.
  29. Deepachandi, B., Ejazi, S.A., Ali, N., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2018). Serological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka, Workshop on “Molecular Biology of Leishmania”. International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy. PP.
  30. Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Silva, N.H., Senanayake, S., Samaranayake, T.N., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2017). Need for continued awareness raising on cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: A Case Series. Faculty Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. PP 01.
  31. Silva, N.H., Kariyawasam, K.K.G.D.U.L., Deepachandi, B., Warnasooriya, V., Siriwardana, Y., Karunaweera, N. (2016). Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka with poor response to sodium stibogluconate: case report. Meetings and courses on Molecular Biology of Leishmaniasis, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotehnology, Trieste, Italy. Pg. 31.
  32. Deepachandi, B., Kariyawasam, K.K.G.D.U.L., Weerasinghe, S., Siriwardana, Y., Karunaweera, N. (2016). Use of clinical markers in assessing the healing lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Faculty Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. OP10.
  33. Deepachandi, B., Kariyawasam, K.K.G.D.U.L., Weerasinghe, S., Gunasekara, C., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2016). A case report of cutaneous leishmaniasis affecting the nasal process. Faculty Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. PP05.
  34. Deepachandi, B., Ali, N., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2015). A study on seroprevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka using a locally developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Faculty Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. OP6 (Awarded as the best oral presenter).
  35. Deepachandi, B., Kariyawasam, K.K.G.D.U.L., Weerasinghe, S., Soysa, P., Siriwardana, Y., Karunaweera, N. (2015). Clinico-epidemiological pattern of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Faculty Research Symposium, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. PP01.
  36. Kotalawala, H.S., Kariyawasam, K.K.G.D.U.L., Deepachandi, B., Weerasinghe, S., Siriwardana, Y., Karunaweera, N. (2015). Laboratory diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis: are second line investigations really necessary?. 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association. PP70.
  37. Deepachandi, B., Kariyawasam, K.K.G.D.U.L., Weerasinghe, S., Ali, N., Soysa, P., Karunaweera, N., Siriwardana, Y. (2015). A serological study on cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka reveals antigen heterogeneity. 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association. PP109.

Newsletters

  1. Deepachandi, B. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody levels induced by natural infection or vaccination using an in-house serological tool. Bio News: Updates on the latest research, Quarterly e-newsletter of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, Volume 2, Issue 4, October 2022.

National patents

  1. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., et al. A tool for quantification of proteins. National patent LK/P/20443. Patent granted. 2019.
  2. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., et al. A tool for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. National patent LK/P/20262. Patent granted. 2018.
  3. Siriwardana, Y., Deepachandi, B., et al. A tool for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. National patent LK/P/1/19697. Patent granted. 2018

Ongoing Research

  1. Molecular and immunological aspects of human leishmaniasis and Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in Sri Lanka