Gene Study Of Double Virus Strain First Detected In Oct Was Stalled, Third Mutation Identified: Report

The double mutant strain of coronavirus that many experts say is behind the recent rapid surge of second Covid wave was first detected in October last year through genome sequencing of a virus sample.

A report in the Indian Express said that since both the mutations, E484Q and L425R, were located in the virus¡¯s critical spike protein ¡ª that binds it to the receptor cells in the body.

Reuters

The destructive potential of the mutant should have raised red flags and led to widespread gene surveillance to look for its spread. However, the slow pace of the genome sequencing exercise got further slowed down between November and January due to lack of funds, absence of clear directives and disinterest because of the falling Covid curve.

Third mutation red flagged

With Covid cases skyrocketing with every passing day, India has already surpassed Brazil to be the second worst-affected and has already begun to overwhelm the hospitals and crematoriums.

Now, a third mutation in the B.1.167 has been identified and experts are hoping that this time, given the alarm bells ringing all around, the pace of intervention and follow-up picks up.

Representational Image/AP

Genome sequencing, the study of genetic structures of an organism and the changes happening in it, give information about the virus¡¯ origins, routes taken to reach a particular area and the changes, or mutations, that are making the virus stronger or weaker.

Genome sequencing, the study of genetic structures of an organism and the changes happening therein, produces a wealth of information that can throw light on the origins of the virus, the routes it has taken to reach a particular geography and the changes, or mutations, that are making the virus stronger or weaker.

Other nations vs India

India, in the first six months, barely conducted a few hundred genome sequencing, while other countries like China, the UK and US, had done several thousand and submitted these in public global depositories for scientists across the world to study.

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It was only in December last year that the government announced setting up the Indian SARS-CoV2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to expedite the gene sequencing effort from India through a consortium of 10 laboratories.

"India well behind curve"

¡°The whole point of gene sequencing is to remain ahead of the curve, anticipate what new variants of the virus are likely to emerge, how they are likely to behave, and what can be done to contain their spread in the population. More the sequences, greater is our information about them, and more effective our response can be,¡± a scientist associated with the sequencing effort reportedly said.

Reuters

¡°Unfortunately, India has been well behind the curve on this front. We have been reacting to the developments, instead of anticipating it,¡± he added.