PUNE: A total of 17 mutations in the genetic composition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus must be detected before experts can confirm that it is the new variant that originated in the UK.
Scientists who have been conducting genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology of the Indian Medical Research Council based in Pune said the PIV level four biosafety (BSL-4) laboratory became on Saturday in the first laboratory that isolated and cultivated the sample of a positive British returnee to Covid.
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the UK strain. To do that, we need to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the ear gene. The UK variant has multiple mutations in different nothing, ”said scientist Varsha Potdar, said the head of the NIV National Influenza Center.
A series of Covid-positive clinical samples are now being sent to NIV using RT-PCR for whole-genome sequencing.
NIV official director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how the strain will develop in our population. But given that it is a variant of concern, improved molecular surveillance is needed.”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since mutations in the UK strain are found in multiple genes, only genome-wide mapping can determine the type of strain. “.
Scientists who have been conducting genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology of the Indian Medical Research Council based in Pune said the PIV level four biosafety (BSL-4) laboratory became on Saturday in the first laboratory that isolated and cultivated the sample of a positive British returnee to Covid.
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the UK strain. To do that, we need to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the ear gene. The UK variant has multiple mutations in different nothing, ”said scientist Varsha Potdar, said the head of the NIV National Influenza Center.
A series of Covid-positive clinical samples are now being sent to NIV using RT-PCR for whole-genome sequencing.
NIV official director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how the strain will develop in our population. But given that it is a variant of concern, improved molecular surveillance is needed.”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since mutations in the UK strain are found in multiple genes, only genome-wide mapping can determine the type of strain. “.