A team of researchers from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has uncovered the genome sequence of the novel coronavirus that has infected the Sylhet division and found 30 new strains of the virus.
A study by the university's Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEB) found these new mutations.
The information was formally presented by the research team of the GEB department under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Professor Farid Uddin Ahmed at 2:30pm on Tuesday in his meeting room.
Nur Nabi Azad Jewel, a lecturer in the GEB department, presented the results of the research through PowerPoint slides.
He said the study found a total of 79 mutations in the genome structure of the coronavirus. A total of 47 mutations were found at the protein level among which only one has similarities to variants in the United Kingdom. However, it does not match the currently discussed variant of the UK.
He added that 30 new strains of the coronavirus have been found in the Sylhet division. Of these, six modified coronaviruses have not been found anywhere in the world before and 24 are completely new to Bangladesh but are present in other countries of the world.
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According to the research team, the virus is constantly changing its form through mutations. As a result, there are doubts about the effectiveness of the vaccine, the GEB research team said.
They collected virus samples from four districts of Sylhet during last November and December, and determined their genome sequence. Of these, 10 samples (Sunamganj-5 and Habiganj-5) were recently submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Database and they released the sequence on December 31.
Treasurer Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam, Dean of the School of Life Sciences Prof Dr SM Abu Sayem and GEB Department Prof Dr Md Shamsul Haque delivered the keynote address.
Vice Chancellor Professor Farid Uddin Ahmed said: "We are proud of this research by the teachers. Our university has been by people’s side since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and our work will continue.”
One more machine is being procured so that coronavirus detection activities and genome sequencing can be carried out uninterrupted.
The vice chancellor added that the work of the university is not just to impart education; rather, it is the university’s responsibility to work for the welfare of humanity through research.
Keeping these issues in mind, the allocation in the research sector has been increased more than seven times this year.
It may be recalled that in May last year, a PCR lab for coronavirus detection was opened in room 225 of the university's building “E” under the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEB) at a cost of over Tk1 crore.
In this lab, university teachers, students and a team of researchers have been carrying out coronavirus identification and research from samples.
About 37,000 coronavirus samples have been tested in the university's lab so far and about 16 people are currently working there, said Lecturer Nur Nabi Azad Jewel.
