2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Establishing a low-cost next-generation sequencing platform for on-site real-time surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in an unreached community from the Democratic Republic of Congo
| Project/Area Number |
22K17352
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| Research Institution | Osaka Metropolitan University |
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Principal Investigator |
チバング・カバンバ エバリステ 大阪公立大学, 大学院医学研究科, 特任助教 (50900693)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | SARS-CoV-2 / Virus / Congo / Sequencing / Genome / Mbujimayi |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In the FY2022, we developed the portable viral surveillance toolkit and obtained various research authorizations. Therefore, we brought together needed equipment and reagents to set up and validate the portable toolkit fitted in a suitcase for low-cost and rapid sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses circulating in different regions, including rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Crucial steps were taken to obtain research agreements including collaboration and material transfer agreements between Japanese and Congolese universities as well as the ABS permit by Congolese Officials. Finally, research protocols for field studies were drafted and submitted for approval to the National Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health in the DRC.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
The project experienced slight delays in receiving reagents ordered from outside of Japan, as well as in administrative procedures for obtaining authorizations from Congolese officials. Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic situation also played some role in slowing activities. However, at this stage, the progress made is encouraging and suggests that the projects can be completed within the timeframe set by the grant.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The next phase of this project consists of the field deployment of the viral surveillance toolkit to conduct molecular surveys in rural DRC from July to September 2023. These surveys will sequence viruses possibly circulating among Congolese people and will also investigate the potential mother-to-child transmission of different viruses. In subjects positive for specific viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Mpox, and hepatitis B virus, additional analyzes will be carried out to characterize the viral variants involved. Outcomes obtained will be discussed with local health-decision makers for early response to endemic viral infections and will be published as scientific articles in international journals.
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| Causes of Carryover |
The amount for the next fiscal year will mainly be used for deploying the viral surveillance toolkit in DRC to investigate outbreaks and for reporting research outcomes. Therefore, consumables and reagents will be purchased. Then an investigation trip will be conducted to the study area from July to September 2023. The study populations will be gathered, examined, and tested. Viral infections detected will be sequenced, analyzed, and reported.
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[Journal Article] Antibody Avidity Maturation Following Recovery From Infection or the Booster Vaccination Grants Breadth of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Capacity2022
Author(s)
Nakagama Y, Candray K, Kaku N, Komase Y, Rodriguez-Funes MV, Dominguez R, Tsuchida T, Kunishima H, Nagai E, Adachi E, Ngoyi DM, Yamasue M, Komiya K, Hiramatsu K, Uemura N, Sugiura Y, Yasugi M, Yamagishi Y, Mikamo H, Shiraishi S, Izumo T, Nakagama S, Watanabe C, Nitahara Y, Tshibangu-Kabamba E, Kakeya H, Kido Y.
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Journal Title
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume: 227
Pages: 780～787
DOI
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