'85% of mutations found were from hotspots like city'

Ahmedabad: Scientists at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) have completed the genome sequencing of more than 100 samples of the novel coronavirus (officially called SARS-CoV2) which causes Covid-19, taken from across Gujarat. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani announced the news on Twitter on Monday evening.

Team members told TOI that while the analysis is still going on and will take more time for concrete results, they have been able to identify hotspots for the virus mutation. Characteristics from these hotspots such as Ahmedabad will help researchers develop a recombinant vaccine.

“I feel proud to share that scientists at GBRC have completed more than 100 Covid-19 genome sequencing, which will be helpful in tracking origin of drug targets, vaccine & association with virulence,” the CM tweeted.

“The samples were taken from the places recording high mortality rates. The most samples were taken from Ahmedabad, which has seen the most cases and deaths in the state. We also included places such as Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Surat and Sabarkantha to get a state-wide picture,” said an official associated with the work.

The researchers said the purpose of the exercise was to identify hotspots for mutations. “Whenever a vaccine is developed, the characteristics of such hotspots become crucial. In Gujarat, we have observed that 80%-85% of mutations are from hotspots such as Ahmedabad,” said an official, adding that if the ultimate vaccine is not designed based on such hotspots, it won’t work as expected.

TOI had reported earlier that a team at GBRC led by Prof Chaitanya Joshi, director; and Dr Madhvi Joshi, joint director, had started the sequencing novel coronavirus samples from across Gujarat to understand the state-specific strains and identify peculiarities that could help develop a vaccine.

“We are increasing the number of samples to identify new strains and understand the mutations observed in Gujarat. It will not only enrich our understanding of virus locally but also help us compare our strains with other parts of the country and the world. More samples will also validate the results,” said an official.

GBRC was among the first state-owned labs in India to complete genome sequencing of the novel coronavirus. The centre has also entered an MoU with three state-based labs for initiating biological research including vaccine development.