The first time, Indonesian scientists mapped the SARS-CoV-2 corona genome

KOMPAS.com – For the first time, scientists at the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology managed to map the sequence of RNA nucleic acids that make up the genome of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 from Indonesia.

“There are 3 complete genome sequences (WGS), perhaps in Indonesia also the first time,” said Professor Amin Soebandrio, director of the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology. Kompas.com, Monday (4/5/2020).

Professor Amin said that the three genomes came from virus samples belonging to three patients. The sample was selected based on the high viral load obtained from the results of the PCR test.

“The high viral load of the patient facilitates sequencing. Sequencing is done directly from the patient’s sample without the need for culture, it can be done if the viral load is high,” explained Professor Amin.

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The LBM Eijkman Institute’s Deputy Head of Fundamental Research, Herawati Sudoyo, added that mapping the coronavirus RNA sequence uses the next-generation sequencing tool (NGS).

Eijkman’s team of scientists performed a genomic mapping of three virus isolates from three patients who were confirmed positive for Covid-19 in Indonesia.

“This is the first complete information on the Indonesian corona virus sequence and it has been uploaded to the GISAID data center,” Professor Hera said in a Whatsapp text message to Kompas.com.

Data that was uploaded to the Global Influenza Data Sharing Initiative (GISAID) later said Prof. Hera will support the rapid process of sharing more than 16,000 coronavirus data worldwide.

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Aim for more genome sequencing

Prof. Amin added that the three mapped virus isolates came from the studied PCR test results.

The sample was taken from three patients who had a high viral load.