Genome sequencing: Dist can gain a lot from Neeri expertise

Nagpur: While the fate of setting up genome sequencer at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) remains in limbo, the CSIR-Neeri delivering genome sequencing results of 8 samples of Umred family within 8 days makes a strong case for the institution now becoming first choice for such studies.
Already in the limelight for implementation of CCMB’s dry swab testing method in the city and for innovating the saline gargle RT-PCR test, CSIR-Neeri had also been asked by the high court to conduct a retrospective study on plasma therapy to ascertain if it was the cause of possible mutations of nSarsCov2.
Even as it delivered results of the latest eight samples, the high court again requested the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) to conduct a study on effects of steroids on Covid-19 and mucormycosis patients, if any, on Wednesday.
Neeri is the only lab to implement the dry swab technique and had processed over 55,000 such samples. As the technique gained popularity, people from different places in the region have preferred NMC’s RPTS centre from where samples are sent to Neeri. Through saline gargle method, a gamechanger innovation of CSIR-Neeri, over 5,000 samples have been collected and processed. This method was well recognized and appreciated by Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.
On the other hand, public health and medical college officials surprisingly have so far failed to take advantage of the Neeri's capability in the last one year.
On June 30, TOI had reported how results of district Covid samples sent to other institutions like the National Institute of Virology, Pune, or National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have not been known to medical colleges and administrative officials in a timely manner.
While medical colleges still remain averse to seeking assistance of Neeri, administrative officials and public health department are now convinced that the premier institution’s involvement can be a boon in conducting clinical research studies.
Surprisingly, the samples of two more patients from the Umred chain are yet to be shared with Neeri though it had been decided that a parallel study would be carried out by the NIV. In fact, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital (IGGMCH) and GMCH are yet to send the 10 Umred samples to the NIV.
Viral Research and Diagnostic Lab (VRDL) officials from both medical colleges didn’t respond to TOI calls and SMS.
In December, the GMCH’s move to set up a genome sequencer had inspired lot of hope among research bodies, civic authority and hospitals who depended for genomic sequencing, in-depth analysis of viral diseases or virus culture on Pune-based NIV.
Then GMCH dean Dr Sajal Mitra had said the proposal is part of Phase II expansion of the state-level VRDL set up at the medical college nearly a year ago.
The 8-capillaries genomic sequencer would process 80 samples at a time. It would be procured at a cost of Rs1.41 crore through Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing at Mumbai.
The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) too has approved both the proposals. The GMCH had forwarded the proposal in mid-December and it is now awaiting administrative approval from the government.