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USJ Dengue Research Scientists Sequenced SARS-CoV2 (Coivd19) Viruses First Time in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½

Research Team – from right Dr. Deshni Jayathilaka, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Prof Neelika Malawige (Leader of the Research Team), Dr. Dinuka Ariyaratne (Blue mask), Senior Scientist Laksiri Gomes (sitting down), Mr. Diyanath Ranasinghe standing behind with white shirt, (Two personnel from the company who installed the machine are also in the picture.

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½ is one of the leading laboratories in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½, which is carrying out diagnostics for COVID-19.

Currently several strains of the SARS-CoV2 virus are circulating in the world and some strains are thought to be more virulent than others.

As infected patients came to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½ from all over the world, the team of scientists at the Centre for Dengue Research at the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit have sequenced the viruses in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½.

This is the first time whole genomic sequencing of viruses has been carried out in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½. In all previous instances, when virus sequencing was required, samples have been sent overseas for this purpose. Therefore, the scientists at USJ have taken a gigantic step forward, by initiating whole genomic sequencing in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½ and providing invaluable data regarding the virus strains here.

The research team was led by Prof Neelika Malavige with the participation of Dr. Chandima Jeewandara and other research scientists attached to the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½.

According to the data four  SARS-CoV2 virus strains are circulating among Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ´«Ã½n Covid-19 infected patients.

Covid virus types SL