PUNE: A total of 17 mutations need to 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 who have been carrying out genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology said that the NIV’s biosafety level four (BSL-4) laboratory in Pune became the first lab to successfully isolate and grow the variant on Saturday from a Covid-positive British returnee sample.
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the UK strain. To do so, we have to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The UK variant has multiple mutations in different genes,” he said scientist Varsha Potdar. said the head of the National Influenza Center in NIV.
A selected number of clinical samples, which tested positive for Covid by RT-PCR, are now sent to the NIV for whole genome sequencing.
NIV officiating director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how the strain will develop in our population. But considering it is a variant of concern, more molecular surveillance is certainly 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 mapping of the entire genome can determine the type of strain.”
Scientists who have been carrying out genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology said that the NIV’s biosafety level four (BSL-4) laboratory in Pune became the first lab to successfully isolate and grow the variant on Saturday from a Covid-positive British returnee sample.
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the UK strain. To do so, we have to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The UK variant has multiple mutations in different genes,” he said scientist Varsha Potdar. said the head of the National Influenza Center in NIV.
A selected number of clinical samples, which tested positive for Covid by RT-PCR, are now sent to the NIV for whole genome sequencing.
NIV officiating director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how the strain will develop in our population. But considering it is a variant of concern, more molecular surveillance is certainly 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 mapping of the entire genome can determine the type of strain.”
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