Curriculum Vitae

DR. ARUTCHELVAN A/L RAJAMANIKAM

Senior Lecturer
  • Department of Parasitology
    Faculty of Medicine
  • arun04
  • 0379675734

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Arutchelvan Rajamanikam is a researcher and senior lecturer from the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya (UM). He has been active in understanding the role of highly prevalent protozoan parasite, mainly, Blastocystis sp. in healthy and diseased individuals. Arutchelvan completed his undergraduate studies in the field of Resource Biotechnology in 2010 and ventured into Parasitology during his Masters studies(MMedSc) in University of Malaya (2015). His interest in understanding the interaction and synergism of intestinal parasite and gut microbiome led him to complete his doctoral studies(PhD) in University of Malaya in the year 2019. Arutchelvan currently aims to make use of data analytics and data science to  decipher the gut microbial diversity patterns, metabolic profile and function in understanding health and explore the predictive ability of the gut microbiome for the benefit of preventive medicine. He has currently embarked into various projects relating to gut microbiome in colorectal cancer and mental illness with special reference to parasite with fundings closed to RM 1 million. He also contributes as reviewer for various ISI-indexed journals. Recently he was appointed as a working group member for European Cooperation in Science and Technology action (CA21105). His current research interest includes the host-parasite interaction in Blastocystis sp. and Acanthamoeba sp.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • DATA SCIENCE
    Data Analytics, Predictive Modelling
  • DIAGNOSTICS
  • PARASITOLOGY
    Intestinal Parasitology, Host Parasite Interaction

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

  • PHD (PARASITOLOGY), (PARASITOLOGI)
    Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • MSC (PARASITOLOGY), (PARASITOLOGI)
    Universiti Malaya (UM)
  • BSC (HONS) (RESOURCE BIOTECHNOLOGY), (BIOTEKNOLOGI SUMBER)
    Universiti Malaya (UM)

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

  • Task Force Member
    23 Jun 2023 - 25 Oct 2026 (International)
  • Project Member
    27 Mar 2024 - 26 Mar 2026 (University Malaya)
  • Appointment as the Journal Club Coordinator
    01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2025 (Department)
  • Coordinator
    01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2025 (National)
  • Task Force Member
    31 Mar 2023 - 31 Dec 2024 (Department)
  • Committee Members
    01 Jun 2023 - 31 Dec 2024 (Dean Office, Faculty of Medicine)
  • Task Force Member
    01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 (Department)
  • Task Force Member
    31 Mar 2023 - 31 Dec 2024 (Department)
  • The 2024 National Science Challenge (NSC) Committee Member
    01 Jun 2024 - 30 Sep 2024 (National)
  • Course Coordinator
    01 Aug 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 (Department)
  • Coordinator
    10 Mar 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 (Department)
  • Curriculum Review
    01 Mar 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 (Department)
  • Task Force Leader
    01 Mar 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 (Department)
  • Programme Coordinator
    01 May 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 (Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine)
  • Course Coordinator
    01 Mar 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 (Department)
  • Task Force Member
    21 Nov 2023 - 21 Nov 2023 (Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine)
  • Task Force Leader
    02 Oct 2023 - 06 Oct 2023 (Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine)
  • Task Force Member
    21 Sep 2023 - 21 Sep 2023 (Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine)

MEMBERSHIPS

  • MALAYSIAN SOCIETY FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (MSMBB), COMMITTEE MEMBER
    2020 to present (International)
  • MALAYSIAN SOCIETY OF PARASITOLOGY AND TROPICAL MEDICINE, MEMBER
    2019 to 2024 (International)
  • MALAYSIAN YOGA SOCIETY, MEMBER
    2017 to 2023 (National)

PUBLICATIONS

Article in Journal
  1. Kaur, C. P., Yong, C. C., Rajamanikam, A., Samudi, C., Kumar, S., Bhassu, S., ... & Kareem, S. A. (2023). The role and influence of bacteria on the growth of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3. Parasitology Research, 1-12.
  2. Kumarasamy, V., Rajamanikam, A., Anbazhagan, D., Atroosh, W. M., Azzani, M., Subramaniyan, V., & Abdullah, S. R. (2023). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Epidemiology of Human Blastocystis spp. Infection in Malaysia. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(8), 415.
  3. Rajamanikam, A., Isa, M. N. M., Samudi, C., Devaraj, S., & Govind, S. K. (2023). Gut bacteria influence Blastocystis sp. phenotypes and may trigger pathogenicity. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 17(3), e0011170.
  4. Rajamanikam, A., Hooi, H. S., Kudva, M., Samudi, C., & Govind, S. K. (2022). Distinct Phenotypic Variation of Blastocystis sp. ST3 from Urban and Orang Asli Population An Influential Consideration during Sample Collection in Surveys. Biology, 11(8), 1211.
  5. Sahimin, N., Termizi, F. H. M., Rajamanikam, A., Nazri, N. A. M., Govind, S. K., & Zain, S. N. M. (2020). Prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis among migrant workers from different working sectors in Peninsular Malaysia. Parasitology research, 119(10), 3555-3558.
  6. Farah Haziqah, M. T., Chandrawathani, P., Douadi, B., Suresh, K., Wilson, J. J., Mohd Khalid, M. K. N., Rajamanikam, A., Lewis, J. W. and Mohd Zain, S.N. (2018). Impact of pH on the viability and morphology of Blastocystis isolates. Tropical Biomedicine,35(2):501-510.
  7. Farah Haziqah, M. T., Mohd Zain, S. N., Chandrawathani, P., Premaalatha, B., Mohd Khairul Nizam, M. K., Rajamanikam, A. & Suresh, K. (2018). Genetic diversity of rodent Blastocystis sp. from Peninsular Malaysia. Tropical Biomedicine, 35(2):586-592.
  8. Rajamanikam A., Kumar S., Samudi C., Kudva M. (2018).Exacerbated symptoms in Blastocystis sp.- infected patients treated with metronidazole: two case studies. Parasitology Research, 117(8):2585- 2590
  9. Farah Haziqah, M.T., Nur Asyiqin, M.N., Mohd Khalid, M.K.N. and Suresh, K. and Mohd Zain, S.N., (2017). Current status of Blastocystis in cockroaches. Tropical Biomedicine; 34(3) 741-745.
  10. Mohd Zain,S. N., Farah Haziqah, M. T., Who, P. Y., Fazly Ann, Z., Vickneshwaran, M., Mohd Khalid, M. K. N., Rajamanikam, A., and Suresh, K.(2017). Morphological and molecular detection of Blastocystis sp. in wildlife from Tioman Island, Malaysia. Tropical Biomedicine; 34(1):249-255.
  11. Rajamanikam, A. & Govind, S.K. (2013).Amoebic forms of Blastocystis spp.- evidence for a pathogenic role. Parasites & Vectors, 6(1), 295
Other Publications
  1. The Gut microbiota as a Promising Treatment Target for Physical and Mental Illness - Policy Paper

RESEARCH INTEREST

  • Understanding the host-parasite interaction in asymptomatic infection (Host-parasite)
  • Understanding role of gut microbiota in the interface of host-parasite interaction (Gut microbiota, pathobiont)
  • Understanding the effect of gut metabolomics and microbiota in schizophrenia due to parasitic and fungal infection (Metabolomics, Schizophrenia and Microbiome)

RESEARCH PROJECT

National
  1. 2023 - 2025, Bantuan Khas Penyelidikan (BKP Special)
    Exploring The Dynamic Duo of Blastocystis sp. and Intestinal Bacteria in Inflammation, Oxidative Damage and Activating WNT Signalling Pathway for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Aggravation ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  2. 2024 - 2027, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    Elucidating NOD2 Gene Activation and Downstream Signaling Pathways in Colon Cancer Cells Following Exposure to Amebic Cysteine Protease, National University of Malaysia (UKM) ( Co-Researcher)
  3. 2023 - 2025, Geran Galakan Penyelidik Muda
    Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis amongst pediatric cancer patients, National University of Malaysia (UKM) ( Co-Researcher)
  4. 2019 - 2022, Others MOHE
    Elucidating The Interaction Between Blastocystis Sp. And Microbial Diversity To Study Its Effect On Healthy Individuals And Patients With Different Stages Of Colorectal Cancer ( Consultant)
  5. 2019 - 2021, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    Early Detection Of Mental Health Issues Using Gut Microbiota And The Detection Of Blastocystis Sp. From Individuals With Different Stages Of Stress And Grades Of Mental Health From Malaysia ( Consultant)
International
  1. 2024 - 2025, International Funding
    Development Of A Precision Medicine Approach For The Eradication Of Blastocystis Hominis Infection: A Proof-of-concept Study ( Principal Investigator(PI))

CONSULTANCY PROJECT

  • Gut Microbiota for Health, Georgen Cooking, Consultant
    01 Jan 2024 - 31 Mar 2024 (National)

PAPER PRESENTED

EVENT ORGANISER
  1. National Parasitology Curriculum Review 2016, National Parasitology Curriculum Review 2016, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya (National) (28 Nov 2016 - 28 Nov 2016)
PRESENTER
  1. Blastocystis sp. and bacteria a fatal attraction, The 55th Annual Scientific Conference of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (National) (13 Mar 2019 - 14 Mar 2019)
  2. Phenotypic variation of Blastocystis sp. ST3 isolated from urban dwellers and aborigines (orang asli), 55th Annual Scientific Conference of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (National) (13 Mar 2019 - 14 Mar 2019)
  3. Variation of Protease among subtype of Blastocystis sp. Evidence for subtype-dependent pathogenicity, Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting, SEAMEO TROPMED Network, TROPMED Alumni Association, the Parasitology and Tropical Medicine Association of Thailand (PTAT) (International) (02 Dec 2014 - 04 Dec 2014)
  4. Heightened protease activity in Blastocystis sp. ST 3, 15th Asia Pacific Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy (MSIDC) in collaboration with Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection (APSCMI) (International) (26 Nov 2014 - 29 Nov 2014)
  5. Proteolytic variation and hemoglobinolytic activity of Blastocystis sp., 6th ASEAN Congress of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (International) (05 May 2014 - 07 Mar 2014)
  6. A correlation between protease activity and amoebic forms of Blastocystis sp., 49th Annual Scientific Conference of Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Malaysian Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (National) (21 Mar 2013 - 22 Mar 2013)
OTHERS
  1. Immunology and Cell Biology, 9th HKU - Pasteur Immunology Course, Institut Pasteur (International) (17 Mar 2017 - 31 Mar 2017)
  2. Bioinformatics of Genomes & Transcriptomes Workshop, Bioinformatics of Genomes & Transcriptomes Workshop, Beijing Genome Institute (National) (17 Dec 2014 - 19 Dec 2014)

ACADEMIC/PROF. SERVICES

Evaluation
  1. (2024) Appointment of Interview Panel for MBBS Selection, University, (External Evaluator)
  2. (2024) Evaluator for Umreg Proposal, University, (Internal Evaluator)
  3. (2024) Review of Submitted Manuscript, International, (Reviewer)
  4. (2024) Reviewed Submitted Manuscript, International, (Reviewer)
  5. (2023) Assessment of Mmedsc Proposal, University, (Internal Assessor)
  6. (2023) Evaluation Panel Member for Candidature Defence, University, (Internal Assessor)
  7. (2019) Reviewer of articles for the Asia Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , (Reviewer)
  8. (2018) Contributing Editor by Oxford Publication in Malaysia for the knowledge contributory effort to publish the book titled Amazing Science 9 Teachers Guide for Indonesian syllabus, (Editor)
  9. (2016) Secretariat for national level program to create awareness of dengue (Dengue Control: Paradigm Shift) from 15 -16 August 2016 organized by Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, (Advisory Committee)
Contribution to external organisation
  1. (2024) An Affiliate Working On Research Collaboration, Governance and Policy Among Young Scientist in Malaysia, National, (Technical Advisor)
Contribution to event
  1. (2024) Participant for Ysn-Asm 2024 Colloquium, National, (Participant)
  2. (2024) Contribution as Organizing Committee, International, (Event Organiser)
  3. (2024) Contribution as Organizing Committee for Event Held for International Participants., International, (Event Organiser)
  4. (2024) Organizing Committee Member for 7th Icmbb 2024 & 6th Ihec 2024, International, (Event Organiser)
  5. (2024) Head of Scientific Committee, International, (Event Organiser)
  6. (2024) Moderator for Breakfast@Umhealth, University, (Panelist/Moderator)
  7. (2024) Contribution as a Facilitator Ummp-Pbl Workshop, University, (Course Facilitator)

SUPERVISION

Postgraduate Student
  1. (2024) STUDIES TO ELUCIDATE THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GUT MICROBIOME AND IMMUNITY IN PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, FREDDY FRANKLIN A/L ANTHONY JOSEPH
  2. (2024) Investigating the Antihypertensive Mechanism of Action of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Extracellular Vesicles (MSC-EVs) in Regulating Gut Microbiome Metabolites and Composition in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats, DANEESHA DEIVY A/P A KUMERESHWARAN
  3. (2024) Molecular Characterisation and Genetic Affinities of Cyclophyllidean Cestodes Infecting farmed Aquatic species in Peninsular Malaysia: Insights into Epidemiology and Evolutionary Relationships, YANGJIAO
  4. (2024) EXPLORING THE DYNAMIC DUO OF BLASTOCYSTIS SP. AND INTESTINAL BACTERIA IN INFLAMMATION, OXIDATIVE DAMAGE AND ACTIVATING THE WNT SIGNALLING PATHWAY FOR COLORECTAL CANCER (CRC) AGGRAVATION PROJECT, SHEIVANYA GAYATRRI KUPPUSAMY
Under Graduate Students
  1. (2023) Role of E. coli, Klebseilla pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa towards the pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp.
  2. (2023) Novel Acinetobacter baumannii antibiotic potentiating compounds derived from Cleisthanthus bracteosus.

TEACHING

Master
  1. (2023) MQG7011 - Acarology
  2. (2023) MQG7012 - Advanced Research Techniques
  3. (2023) MQG7006 - Parasites Epidemiology and Relationship With Other Diseases
  4. (2023) MQG7013 - Trends in Parasitic Diseases
  5. (2022) MQG7004 - Medical Protozoology
  6. (2022) MQG7003 - Concepts and Fundamentals of Medical Parasitology and Entomology
Bachelor
  1. (2023) MIC4002 - Biomedical Science Horizons
  2. (2023) MIC2026 - Diagnostic Parasitology and Entomology

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES

  • National Yoga Camp 2018, (02 Dec 2018 - 16 Dec 2018)
  • Yoga Clinic 2017, (15 Mar 2017 - 15 Jun 2017)

COURSE ATTENDED

Internal / External Course
INTERNAL COURSE- ORGANIZED BY PTJ
  1. PROFESSIONALISM IN THE WORKPLACE - DEALING WITH ATTITUDE, Microsoft Teams (02 Jun 2022 - 02 Jun 2022)
  2. PROFESSIONALISM IN THE WORKPLACE -DEALING WITH ATTITUDE (NOV 2022), Microsoft Teams (01 Nov 2022 - 01 Nov 2022)
  3. ACU UM EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, Hotel Ve Bangsar South Kuala Lumpur (03 Jun 2022 - 03 Jun 2022)
  4. EMERALD TEACHING AND LEARNING 2023, Universiti Malaya (07 Aug 2023 - 11 Aug 2023)