Need to fast-track genome sequencing of new coronavirus variants: Venkaiah Naidu
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said there is a need to fast-track the genome sequencing of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 to expedite the development of suitable vaccines and drugs.
He stressed the need for research institutions to intensify international collaboration and study the feasibility of developing a universal vaccine that can neutralize the different forms.
“Special research focusing on sequencing will help in timely intervention during the ongoing pandemic. Sequencing, as an adjunctive tool, plays a vital role in identifying the emergence of new viral mutations and thus, COVID-19. Helps combat the spread of -19,” he said. Addressing scientists at CCMB’s LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species) facility.
“With SARS-CoV-2 mutating frequently, we are seeing the emergence of new variants that are causing rapid transmission. This is a cause for concern and calls from scientists to neutralize its potential to spread rapidly. calls for intensifying efforts,” he said.
Naidu said the need for genome sequencing of new variants becomes important in light of reports of big cats being infected with COVID-19 in some zoos in the country. He said the species jump of a virus – from humans to animals or vice versa – could give rise to new forms and pose new challenges in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.
He said that Laçons is well positioned to forge these relationships, both at the national and international levels, to understand the emergence of infectious diseases and to prevent such epidemics in the future.
He said that LaCONES is one of the four centers in the country that can test animal samples for COVID-19 infection. It recently issued guidelines for frontline workers of zoos on COVID-19 screening for captive animals in collaboration with the Central Zoo Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
He congratulated CCMB for its contribution towards the cause of COVID-19 mitigation which includes setting up of rapid diagnostics, genome sequencing and surveillance. “Research conducted at CCMB has also shown that the coronavirus is transmitted through the air and can be detected in sewage and wild animals. The easy transmission of this virus poses many challenges, and the way it spreads to new hosts. or infect other species may be an important area of research. This is where CCMB can lead and shed some valuable light.”
He said that it is now imperative that India pays more attention to zoonotic diseases that affect both animals and humans. There are many reports linking climate change to emerging infectious diseases. He expressed hope that CCMB, LACONS, and other research institutes and public health organizations in India will rapidly expand their facilities to conduct surveillance using genome sequencing platforms.
Naidu also appealed to the people to do away with the hesitation of the vaccine and take the required dose of the vaccine. He said that the need of the hour is to create awareness among the people that vaccines will provide high level of protection and the disease will be less severe even if infected.
Also, people should not lower their guard. He said that everyone should follow COVID-19 appropriate behavior by avoiding large gatherings, maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and staying in well-ventilated areas.
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