The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is taking innovative steps in the fight against Covid-19 by developing mega labs. These specialized labs are designed to enhance testing speed and improve accuracy when identifying Covid-19 positive cases. Several key points highlight the work being done by CSIR, their partnership with a US-based company, and the benefits of these new machines.
CSIR’s Development of Mega Labs
At the heart of these mega labs are large, complex machines known as Next Generation Sequencing machines (NGS). The goal is to modify these NGS machines to expedite the sequencing of 1,500 – 3,000 viral genomes at once. This rapid sequencing will help detect the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus at a faster rate than ever before. NGS machines are typically employed for sequencing human genomes but they are now being used to map out the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus.
Moreover, these advanced NGS machines have discovered two previously unknown lineages of coronaviruses in Indian populations. Enhancing this capability, CSIR is joining forces with the US-based Illumina, a company that excels in manufacturing these invaluable NGS machines. Currently, five NGS machines are available in India for this purpose.
The Global Picture of SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing
Thus far, humans from 57 countries have shared 3,086 sequences of the virus, nine of which were whole genome sequences of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) shared by India with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).
Benefits of the NGS Test
The use of the NGS test boasts a sensitivity of 97.53% compared to the 70%-80% accuracy of RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and the 50% accuracy of antigen tests. They can detect the virus’ presence even when RT-PCR tests fail to do so.
Insights Gleaned from NGS Testing
Apart from identifying cases as either positive or negative that RT-PCR tests deemed ‘inconclusive’, NGS tests can also track the evolutionary history of the virus and monitor mutations more reliability. This can help identify more locations where SARS-CoV-2 viruses differ from other related viruses.
Mass Testing Capabilities of NGS Technology
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the NGS tests can expand from approximately 7.5 lakh tests per day to at least a million per day. This is possible because unlike the RT-PCR tests that require primers and probes – a key setback in implementing these tests on a mass scale earlier during the pandemic – the NGS tests only need custom reagents.
Utilizing NGS Beyond Covid-19 Testing
These “hubs” of whole genome sequencing can assist in tracking significant mutations in the virus, and can be repurposed for any type of outbreak, be it viral or bacterial in nature. Furthermore, NGS technology can be used to develop new diagnostic tests for Covid-19.
Surveillance and Tracing Capabilities
Due to the restricted accuracy and capacity of existing tests, numerous people are falsely diagnosed as negative. NGS technology can rectify this issue by allowing for continuous surveillance of large pools such as industrial hubs, commercial establishments, or areas where an outbreak is likely.
Covid-19 Testing Methods in India
Different methods of testing are being utilized across the country to trace Covid-19 infection. Some include: RT PCR Tests, Rapid Antigen Detection Tests, RTnPCR Tests, Feluda Tests, and ELISA Antibody Tests. The source of this information is TH.
