PUT: A total of 17 mutations must be detected in the genetic makeup of the SARS-CoV-2 virus before experts can confirm that it is the new variant from the UK.
Scientists who performed genome sequencing at the Indian Medical Research Council in Pune – National Institute of Virology said the NIV Level 4 Biosafety Laboratory (BSL-4) in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and cultivate the variant. on Saturday the sample of a positive British return Covid.
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the UK strain. To do this, we need to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The UK variant has multiple mutations in different genes,” said scientist Varsha. Potdar, said the head of the National Influenza Center at NIV.
An established number of clinical trials, which have been shown to be positive for Covid by RT-PCR, are now being sent to the NIV for genome-wide sequencing.
NIV officer director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how the strain will occur in our population. But given that it is a matter of concern, improved molecular surveillance is certainly needed. ”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said, “Because mutations in the UK strain are in multiple genes, only mapping the entire genome can determine the strain type.”
Scientists who performed genome sequencing at the Indian Medical Research Council in Pune – National Institute of Virology said the NIV Level 4 Biosafety Laboratory (BSL-4) in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and cultivate the variant. on Saturday the sample of a positive British return Covid.
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the UK strain. To do this, we need to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The UK variant has multiple mutations in different genes,” said scientist Varsha. Potdar, said the head of the National Influenza Center at NIV.
An established number of clinical trials, which have been shown to be positive for Covid by RT-PCR, are now being sent to the NIV for genome-wide sequencing.
NIV officer director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how the strain will occur in our population. But given that it is a matter of concern, improved molecular surveillance is certainly needed. ”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said, “Because mutations in the UK strain are in multiple genes, only mapping the entire genome can determine the strain type.”