Genomic sequencing carried out for the first time in Sri Lanka
View(s):The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, with one of Sri Lanka’s leading laboratories, is carrying out diagnostics for COVID-19. The university had ventured into ‘whole genomic sequencing’ – research on the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome at a single time.
The University said several strains of the SARS-CoV2 virus are currently circulating across the world and some strains are thought to be more virulent than others.
As infected patients came to Sri Lanka from many countries, the team of scientists at the Centre for Dengue Research at the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit have sequenced the viruses in Sri Lanka.
“This is the first time whole genomic sequencing of viruses has been carried out in Sri Lanka. In all previous instances, when virus sequencing was required, samples have been sent overseas for this purpose. Therefore, the scientists at USJ have taken a gigantic step forward, by initiating whole genomic sequencing in Sri Lanka and providing invaluable data regarding the virus strains here,” the University website disclosed.
The research team was led by Prof Neelika Malavige with the participation of Dr Chandima Jeewandara and other research scientists attached to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Faculty of Medical Sciences.
According to the data gathered, four SARS-CoV2 virus strains are circulating among Sri Lankan COVID-19 patients.
The team included Dr Deshni Jayathilaka, Dr Dinuka Ariyaratne, Senior Scientist Laksiri Gomes and Mr Diyanath Ranasinghe.
(JM)