Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, has carried out whole genome sequence of Coranavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
This is the first indigenously sequenced whole genome of coranavirus in Pakistan. Analysis of the sequence revealed 9 mutations in the different regions of genome, as compared to the sequence reported from Wuhan, China. This will be helpful in decision-making at national level for the use of future therapeutic options and vaccinations.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He said that the sequencing was carried out to understand the genetics of this pathogen in Pakistan. The entire genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was mapped by a team of young scientists under the supervision of Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed. The work was carried out using next generation DNA sequencing systems at the Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi), he said, adding that the sample for genomic analysis was collected from a patient having a travel history.
Mutation is change which appears in the DNA of all organisms and viruses, he said, adding that comparison with genomes from other parts of the world revealed that this virus is more closely related to the virus from China, the point from where the pandemic was started.
He said that coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a grave health challenge globally with more than 800,049 confirmed cases and 38, 714 recorded deaths to date.
