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 who performed genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology said the NIV Biosafety Level Four (BSL-4) laboratory in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and culture the variant Saturday from the sample of a Covid-positive British returnee.
“We have to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the British strain. To do this, we need to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The British variant has multiple mutations in different genes. says scientist Varsha Potdar. , said head of the National Influenza Center at NIV.
A fixed number of clinical specimens, positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now sent to the NIV for whole genome sequencing.
NIV’s acting director Sarah Cherian said, “It is too early to say how the stress will play out in our population. But as it is a variant of concern, enhanced molecular surveillance is certainly necessary.”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said, “Since mutations in the British strain exist in multiple genes, only mapping the whole genome can determine the strain type” .
Scientists who performed genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology said the NIV Biosafety Level Four (BSL-4) laboratory in Pune became the first laboratory to successfully isolate and culture the variant Saturday from the sample of a Covid-positive British returnee.
“We have to detect all 17 mutations to confirm that it is the British strain. To do this, we need to map the entire genome of the virus and not just the spike gene. The British variant has multiple mutations in different genes. says scientist Varsha Potdar. , said head of the National Influenza Center at NIV.
A fixed number of clinical specimens, positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now sent to the NIV for whole genome sequencing.
NIV’s acting director Sarah Cherian said, “It is too early to say how the stress will play out in our population. But as it is a variant of concern, enhanced molecular surveillance is certainly necessary.”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said, “Since mutations in the British strain exist in multiple genes, only mapping the whole genome can determine the strain type” .