17 key mutations to confirm the British strain: NIV | India News



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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 Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology based in Pune said that NIV’s Level Four (BSL-4) Biosafety Laboratory in Pune became the first laboratory to be isolated. and successfully cultivate the Saturday variant of a Covid-positive British returnee sample.
“We need 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 it. different genes, “says scientist Varsha Potdar, the head of the National Influenza Center told NIV.
A number of clinical samples, found positive for Covid via RT-PCR, are now being sent to NIV for whole genome sequencing.
NIV’s unofficial director Sarah Cherian said: “It is too early to say how tension is going to play out in our population. But given that it is a worrying variant, more molecular surveillance is certainly needed.”
When asked if it was possible to develop a test to detect new mutations, Cherian said: “Since the mutations in the British strain are in multiple genes, only mapping of the entire genome can determine the type of strain. “.

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