BCSIR: Coronavirus mutation faster in Bangladesh

Published at 10:53 pm September 6th, 2020

Reuters

Genome sequencing finds mutation rate at 12.60 against the global average of 7.23

The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is mutating faster in Bangladesh than the global rate, according to a study by the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR).

Genome sequencing by BCSIR found that the mutation rate in Bangladesh is 12.60, as compared to the global average of 7.23.

Mutation refers to the changes or process of changes to an organism’s genes as it reproduces.

Among 103 nucleotide mutations of the spike protein gene, 53 nonsynonymous amino acids are replaced, including 5 that are distinct and could not be found anywhere in the world, according to the study.

The results of the study were disclosed in the presence of Science and Technology Minister Yafes Osman in Dhaka on Sunday.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology, BCSIR conducted genome sequencing and data analysis of 263 samples of SARS-CoV-2 from eight divisions of Bangladesh.

Researchers observed the presence of variant G614 in 100% of the cases.

They also found mutations in a total 737 points, including 358 replaced nonsynonymous amino acids. So far, the yearly mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 is 24.64 nucleotide.

The samples and all relevant information were collected from across the country with the help of the National Institute of Laboratory Medicine & Referral Centre, Bangladesh (NILMRC).

“The purpose of the research was to observe the infection, mutation rate, genetic varieties, nonsynonymous mutation and genomic phylogeny of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to utilize the researched result to curb the Covid-19 pandemic,” said a press release.

The samples were collected between May 7 and July 31.

The sequencing has been published on the international database Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).

The results of the research have already been printed, published and sent to 50 institutions, including Sinovac Research and Development Co Ltd in China, Moderna in USA, and the University of Oxford, to assist Covid-19 vaccine production.