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Merge 104.8 | 08 June 2020
A team of researchers from the Ministry of Health’s [MoH] Central Public Health Laboratories, and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have arrived at initial results in their analysis of the full-genome sequencing of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.
In a statement issued online by the MoH, their analysis has been included in the global data of virus strains among countries, in an effort to understand how the coronavirus spreads, along with differences in its mutation.
As per the MoH, 49 viral strains have been analyzed from among the first cases diagnosed in the country, with full-genome sequencing help to contribute to the understanding of Oman’s epidemiological situation and how the virus is spreading in the Sultanate.
Leading the research team are Dr. Samira Al-Mahroqi, Medical Laboratories Specialist at the MOH Central Public Health Laboratories, and Dr. Fahad bin Mahmoud Al-Zadjali, Assistant Dean of Scientific Research at SQU.
As the MoH reports in its statement: “Researchers observed that there is genetic diversity in the strains dispersed in the Sultanate, which is expected due to the multiple sources of the virus.
It has been proved that the virus entered the Sultanate from many countries and the genotype which was detected during the first months, was multi-strains derived from the main strain (B), and belongs to subcategories O, V, L, S, G, RG, and HG.”
The MoH also noted that, as the virus spread throughout the Sultanate, the prevalence of certain strains such as G and GH were observed — along with the GR strain in particular, which was responsible for community transmission.
Findings from the data will help Oman’s healthcare workers identify which modalities of intervention to use to help curb the spread, along with the severity of illness associated with certain genetic mutations, and to detect treatments or help develop vaccines.
(Also read: No expat will ever be asked to pay a single riyal for COVID-19 treatment in Oman: Minister of Health.)
