2023 Fiscal Year Final Research 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 Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Review Section |
Basic Section 58020:Hygiene and public health-related: including laboratory approach
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| Research Institution | Osaka Metropolitan University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | Viral genome / Nanopore sequecing / Congo / Hepatitis virus / Mpox virus |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
The project achieved significant milestones, establishing a portable viral surveillance toolkit for rapid sequencing that can potentially be applied in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Administrative prerequisites were met, including collaboration agreements, ethical clearance, and obtaining the ABS permit.
However, field deployment faced substantial delays due to challenges in procuring reagents, bureaucratic hurdles, and COVID-19 restrictions. Despite these obstacles, surveys in rural DRC successfully sampled 1077 individuals. Yet, storing and transporting samples to Japan for analysis caused further delays. Nevertheless, this research proves the feasibility of a portable viral sequencing laboratory, showcasing its potential for future endeavors. Reagents have been secured for final analysis, and efforts are underway to evaluate the approach's validity for publication.
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| Free Research Field |
Virology
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| Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
The toolkit created in this project shows great potential for viral surveillance and investigations in remote areas of Africa. It promotes knowledge sharing, strengthens research capabilities, and empowers African communities, thus playing a crucial role in global health protection.
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