PUNE: 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 that originated in the UK.
Scientists conducting genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology said NIV’s level four biosafety laboratory (BSL-4) in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and grow the variant on Saturday from the sample of a Covid-positive return from Britain.
“We have to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the British strain. To do that, we have to map the whole genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The British variant has multiple mutations in different genes, “said scientist Varsha Potdar. , said the head of the National Flu Center at the NIV.
A fixed number of clinical samples, found positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now being sent to NIV for complete genome sequencing.
Sarah Cherian, operations director of the NIV, said: “It is still too early to say how the tension in our population will play out. But if it is taken into account, it is definitely necessary to have more molecular supervision”.
Asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since mutations in the UK strain occur in multiple genes, only mapping of the entire genome can determine the type of species. ”
Scientists conducting genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology said NIV’s level four biosafety laboratory (BSL-4) in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and grow the variant on Saturday from the sample of a Covid-positive return from Britain.
“We have to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the British strain. To do that, we have to map the whole genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The British variant has multiple mutations in different genes, “said scientist Varsha Potdar. , said the head of the National Flu Center at the NIV.
A fixed number of clinical samples, found positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now being sent to NIV for complete genome sequencing.
Sarah Cherian, operations director of the NIV, said: “It is still too early to say how the tension in our population will play out. But if it is taken into account, it is definitely necessary to have more molecular supervision”.
Asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since mutations in the UK strain occur in multiple genes, only mapping of the entire genome can determine the type of species. ”