Page 8 - NIH Bulletin Vol. 16 December 2020

Bulletin National Institutes of Health, Malaysia Vol 16 • 2020

Viral isolation tests carried out in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory. The successful COVID-19 isolates can be used for full genome sequencing as
well as vaccine and anti-COVID 19 assays.

NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING (NGS)

Next generation sequencing (NGS) is local strains. The study also targeted
a platform that is commonly available an important mutation called D614G
worldwide. This method is used in IMR mutation which has great impact
Setia Alam to carry out full genome due to its increased transmissibility.
sequencing of at least 40 COVID-19 Currently strains with D614G mutation
isolates till date. The main benefit of has been isolated in Malaysia from
performing full genome sequencing is an imported case. As part of global
to elucidate molecular epidemiology network of sharing genetic information
of COVID-19 in Malaysia, to determine of COVID-19, the Virology Unit has also
origins of the viruses in Malaysia as well deposited full genome sequencing
as identifying mutations that are both data into GISAID database. Full genome sequencing of COVID-19
most prevalent and unique among using the NGS system.

Image of the homology comparison of genetic sequences of local COVID-19 isolates. The number 614 indicates location of the 614 amino acid site
on the spike gene of COVID-19 where there is a missense mutation from D to G.

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