LIPI Scientists to Conduct COVID-19 Whole Genome Sequencing
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25 August 2020 23:57 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is currently attempting to collect at least 10 whole-genome sequencings of SARS-CoV-2 - which causes COVID-19 - per week. This is deemed important to completely identify viral gene sequences in large bulks.
“Collecting small amounts of genome sequencing will be in vain if not collected in the hundreds or thousands. We cannot make tracings or conduct conclusive mass-identification such as local strain mutation and its types,” said LIPI head Laksana Tri Handoko during the 53rd anniversary of the institute on Tuesday, August 25.
He said that LIPI utilizes the Oxford nanopore technology in the sequencing. Three teams have been trained under a network of Oxford University in the United Kingdom to do the work.
"I want to assure you that there are no processes that are missed, whether immunomodulator, whole-genome sequencing, viral clinical testings, which must be based on existing procedures and standards. Even though we are pushed to be quick, no steps will be bypassed,” said the LIPI leader.
He revealed that this genome sequencing will have a major contribution to the formation of Indonesia’s Merah Putih vaccine.
ANTARA
