Following the UAE's first full genome sequencing of the Covid-19 virus in early May by researchers at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and Dubai Health Authority using Illumina Inc sequencing technologies supplied and supported by AGBL Group, the team has continued its research sequencing further samples. Whole Genome Sequencing enables identification of the origins of the virus and the extent of community-based transmissions versus new viral introductions, which influences public health policy decisions. The research conducted shows that the majority of introductions in Dubai were from Europe and the Middle East and provides evidence for early community-based transmission. Dubai is the major international tourism and travel hub within the Middle East connecting the Far East and the West. Understanding the early spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Dubai will, therefore, inform the global dynamics of the COVID19 pandemic spread.
“Genome sequencing is an important tool for studying disease outbreaks. As a virus spreads, small mutations in its genetic material take place. Recent studies on the Covid-19 virus show that these genetic changes occur every two weeks on average. By studying the genetic sequence of the virus and the minor changes over time from many patients, scientists can better understand how the virus spreads and inform measures to control the outbreak,” said Ms Althea Fernandez, genomics product manager at AGBL.
Dr Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Associate Professor of Genetics at MBRU and Director of the Genomics Centre at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital said, “using SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing we were able to track the spatiotemporal introductions of the virus into Dubai and the UAE early on in the pandemic. We were also able to characterize the genetic profile of the early strains which will help us understand how well any vaccines or treatments can be effective in the UAE, once they become available. We are now continuing our studies to sequence the virus from more patients of different ages, disease severity, and at different time points of the pandemic. This will help us better understand community-based transmission and the clinical outcomes due to infection by the different virus strains, if any.
All this work is being performed using the Illumina NGS technology for which we optimized several scalable and cost-effective library preparations protocols. We are very fortunate to be supported by Illumina regional partner, AGBL Group, who, despite the new dynamics imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, are continuously providing excellent technical support and the required supplies for this, and many other, projects.”
AGBL Group has also commissioned Illumina sequencers for sequencing COVID-19 at multiple locations across the Middle East and Africa, including King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Bahrain, Redeemer University in Nigeria, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) in Ghana.
Send us your press releases to pressrelease.zawya@refinitiv.com
© Press Release 2020
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
