Hyderabad: The N440K mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is circulating predominantly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Until recently, the ‘double mutation’ of the coronavirus, which is related to the massive rise of Covid cases in Maharashtra, Gujarat and other parts of the country, were found in four to five percent of the samples in Telangana, director of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), dr. RK Mishra.
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) set up by the Center, the top geneticist will take the genomic sequence of samples in the two Telugu states and even in other Indian states in a much more complex manner in the coming days. . fast pace.
‘The N440K mutation has long been present in TS and AP, while the dual mutant variant was recently found in only four to five percent of the samples tested. During pandemics, however, things change rapidly and under INSACOG we will rapidly increase the genome order of samples from across the country, which will give us a better picture of variants, ‘said dr. Mishra said.
The city-based CCMB is one of the most important INSACOG no-order centers and researchers receive samples from passengers at airports across the country. In fact, CCMB is the first to detect the British variant in the country of passenger samples.
‘We are closely monitoring new variants, such as double mutations, and there is not much in TS or AP. However, there is every chance that its presence may increase. We will pick up more samples in the coming days and build up genome sequences, ”said Dr Mishra.
However, the senior researcher pointed out that, apart from the role of variants such as N440K and ‘double mutations’, it is the total disregard of the public precautions that the emergence of new Covid infections across the country.
‘You just go to any mall or a mall, no one wears a mask or takes basic precautions. People gather in large numbers at pubs, restaurants, public transport facilities and cinemas, etc. “On top of that, there are weddings, gatherings, birthday parties, religious activities where people give little respect to precautionary measures,” Mishra said.
Source: Telangana Today