Molecular characterization, its mutation pattern and the molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Hiroshima

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21113
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0908:Society medicine, nursing, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: KO KO 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(医), 助教 (80910299)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 / Surveillance / Infection control

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A study on development of Sanger based SARS-CoV-2 variants classification by partial spike sequencing among 734 stocked samples provided 99.6% successful amplification and 96.9% genomic data which allowed for variant identification and molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Hiroshima. The findings of this study demonstrate that Sanger sequencing is a reliable and effective approach for screening a large number of samples to detect significant SARS-CoV-2 variants. In comparison to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), our method offers a practical and universally applicable tool that is both low-cost and time-efficient, particularly in regions where NGS is not readily accessible. Our method enables the identification not only of existing variants but also the examination of uncommon mutations or newly emerged variants, making it invaluable for pandemic prevention and control efforts.

Free Research Field

Infectious Disease Control

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

This study introduced the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 variant screening by partial sequencing at spike region which has higher screening rate then next generation sequencing and applicable to the resource limited setting for molecular surveillance and pandemic control.