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 originating in the United Kingdom.
Scientists conducting genome sequencing at the Indian Medical Research Council-Pune National Virology Institute said NIV’s biosafety laboratory four (BSL-4) in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and grow the variant on Saturday from the sample of a positive Covid returned to Britain
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the strain of the United Kingdom. To do this, we have to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The UK variant has several mutations in different genes”, scientist Varsha Potdar, said the head of the NIV’s National Influenza Center.
A number of clinical samples, considered positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now being sent to NIV for complete genome sequencing.
The official director of the NIV, Sarah Cherian, said: “It is too early to say how the strain will develop in our population. But considering that it is a variant of concern, improved molecular surveillance is certainly necessary.”
When asked whether it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since mutations in the UK strain are in several genes, only mapping the entire genome can determine the type of strain”.
Scientists conducting genome sequencing at the Indian Medical Research Council-Pune National Virology Institute said NIV’s biosafety laboratory four (BSL-4) in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and grow the variant on Saturday from the sample of a positive Covid returned to Britain
“We need to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the strain of the United Kingdom. To do this, we have to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The UK variant has several mutations in different genes”, scientist Varsha Potdar, said the head of the NIV’s National Influenza Center.
A number of clinical samples, considered positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now being sent to NIV for complete genome sequencing.
The official director of the NIV, Sarah Cherian, said: “It is too early to say how the strain will develop in our population. But considering that it is a variant of concern, improved molecular surveillance is certainly necessary.”
When asked whether it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since mutations in the UK strain are in several genes, only mapping the entire genome can determine the type of strain”.