Institute of Molecular Biology Eijkman accomplished the primary complete genome sequence of coronavirus samples from Indonesia. The recent information is anticipated to assist scientists higher understand the precise strain of the virus that has spread across the country.
Eijkman Institute director Amin Soebandrio said the genetic sequence could help scientists understand the virus strain’s mutations, discover its origins and conduct quick and effective contact tracing to limit its spread. He said the data could also help develop a vaccine.
“[The genetic sequence] could be very helpful in touch tracing. Currently, contact tracing is predicated on epidemiological guessing: who [an infected person] with whom I had contact,” Amin told The Jakarta Post on Monday (May 4).
“With molecular data, we will know whether the virus present in Pekanbaru, for instance, is identical or much like the virus in Surabaya or Makassar, and we will trace the movement of the virus.
He said the sequencing process began two weeks ago, although the institute had been collecting virus samples since March.
“We were completely busy testing.”
On Monday, the institute sent the information to GISAID, an initiative that promotes the sharing of genetic data on influenza and coronavirus viruses.
Source: Asia News Network | Jakarta Post Office | Star
