Viral sequencing uncovers new mutations, guiding effective response
More then 11,408,199 genome sequences already published on GISAID as of middle of June 2022.
WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard
Viruses mutate constantly and SARS-CoV-2 is not any different. The emergence of mutations leads to new variants that have different characteristics. Next generation sequencing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus was key to identifying the more transmissible variants. CDC has initiated a genome surveillance program for sequencing genes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus for the purpose of detecting variants that:
Can spread more quickly among individuals
Cause milder or more severe symptoms
Evade detection by PCR based diagnostic kits
Decreased responsiveness to monoclonal antibody-based therapy
Evade natural or vaccine induced immunity
Ayass BioScience are sequencing positive COVID-19 cases to find new mutations.
SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing is a fast and efficient method for research on viral replication, packaging, function of terminase, transcription regulation, and metabolism of host cell. Ayass BioScience, LLC delivers high quality sequencing data for SARS-CoV-2 genome. Sequencing viral RNA can also describe patterns of infection to help make important decisions about where to steer public health orders and to whom the vaccine needs are delivered. We can apply the sequencing data to show where the highest risks lie for health care providers. A coordinated sequencing system in the U.S. could help end not only this pandemic, but also the next ones.
Positive, negative, neutral mutations during the evolution of coronaviruses:
SARS-CoV-2 variants, if considered to have concerning epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic properties, warranting urgent follow-up investigation.
System for genomic surveillance and the effort to expand sequencing of all emerging variants will increase the availability of timely U.S. genomic surveillance data.
VOC Variant Sequencing Tracker (GISAID)
Variant of Concern Reports/Lineage/Mutation Tracker (outbreak.info)
What will help to make a path to the end of Covid-19 pandemic?
Successful vaccine development and population vaccination within the time frame not considered possible in the past. Two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines produced efficacy of 94–95%. A key issue here is whether COVID-19 vaccines will be able to protect against infection/disease from these concerning NEW SARS-CoV-2 variants. (READ MORE)
