30 June, Kathmandu
The Nepal Health Research Council has started study about gene sequencing of coronavirus in Nepal. The NHRC, with scientists and researchers, has begun the study about the gene sequencing of the virus in infected people.
Executive Director of the Council Dr. Pradeep Gyawali said that the study is being carried out to discover type of gene found on coronavirus infected in the country. The Council has forwarded process by signing agreement with Kathmandu University for the same. Likewise, preparation has been made for agreement with Tribhuvan University and other private labs.
The Kathmandu University has brought machine for the study of gene. Senior Research Officer of NHRC, Dr Megnath Dhimal, shared that it would be find out how powerful is coronavirus after the research.
In the first phase of study, 15 people will be included followed by a group of 50-60 individuals in the second phase. The study will be based on people arrived from different countries and diagnosed with the infections.
Gene sequencing will be based on throat and blood sample of the infected. Countries like China, the US and India have already started study about gene of COVID-19 which will be helpful in developing vaccine and medicines against the disease.
The quality of study will be decided through a test in foreign laboratory on the permission of World Health Organisation. As he said, 10 per cent samples will be transitioned to foreign labs.
