Wuhan’s lab raises 1,500 virus strains

The Wuhan Institute for Microbiology (WIV) is located in Wuhan City, China. WIV, which stores more than 1,500 deadly virus strains, specializes in studying the most dangerous pathogens, especially the bat-derived corona virus. When the Covid-19 outbreak broke out in Wuhan in December 2019, many hypotheses that nCoV escaped from WIV. However, in February, Shi Zhengli, director of the institute, promised that the disease was not laboratory related. Many international experts also rejected the theory. Research published in the March 17 issue of the journal Nature by US scientists. The USA, UK and Australia confirmed that nCoV is of natural origin.

The Chinese authorities decided to build a research institute after the SARS epidemic in 2002-2003 to control new epidemics. The project took 15 years to complete with a total budget of $ 42 million. WIV is built higher than the flooded area and is resistant to grade 7 earthquakes. The institute’s central building is a 4-story laboratory with the highest level of biosecurity (P4). This is the most advanced laboratory in China. The lab was completed in 2015 and opened on 05/01/2018 after passing many safety inspections. This place was called the “aircraft carrier of Chinese microbiology”.

At WIV, researchers must use full-body protection against hazardous substances before disinfecting under a chemical nozzle. Anyone working in a negative pressure room and conducting experiments on live animals must enter and exit through the airlock to control air flow between rooms. No laboratory item has sharp edges to prevent tearing of protective clothing. According to experts, the virus cannot escape from the laboratory if it guarantees strict compliance with security regulations.

A Khang (The O Sun)