A team of researchers from the Ministry of Health represented in the central public health laboratories and from Sultan Qaboos University reached preliminary results of the analysis of the complete genome sequence of the Corona virus (COFED-1), and it was included in the global data to collect the strains of the virus from every country in the world, and that In order to understand how the virus is spreading and its different mutations.
As 49 viral strains were analyzed from the first cases discovered in the Sultanate, and the analysis of this total genomic sequence, whatever the study is, is the epidemiological situation, and a study of how the disease spread in the Sultanate, allowing the public health sector officials to know the interventions required to control the epidemic, reduce its spread, and help to identify mutations Genetics that may increase the severity and severity of the disease, and also works as a tool that helps in knowing the accuracy of genetic tests according to the strains,
It may contribute effectively to the detection of possible treatments and vaccines through more practical research and in-depth studies.
Where researchers noted in this study the presence of genetic diversity in the strains prevalent in the Sultanate, and this is expected due to the multiple sources of the virus, as it was proven that it entered the Sultanate from more than one country, as it was found to them that the genetic types that were discovered during the first months were multi-strains and emanating from the strain Major B and belong to subcategories O
Note that the research team includes both Dr. Samira Bint Hamad Al Mahrouqi – Specialist Medical Labs in the Central Public Health Laboratories in the Ministry of Health and Dr. Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Zadjali from the Assistant Director of Scientific Research at Sultan Qaboos University as main researchers for the project responsible for analyzing the complete genomic sequence of the virus, as well as a selection of technologists And Omani doctors in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases from the Ministry of Health and Sultan Qaboos University.
The preliminary results analysis is the first stage of several phases of this research project, as it will be followed by a series of accurate research whose results will be announced successively, and the study will include comparing the genetic strains with the clinical and clinical condition of the disease, and its extent related to travel and death.
It is noteworthy that the Medical Research Center at the University and the Scientific Research Council are the two funding sides for this joint research. It is worth noting that public health laboratories at the Ministry of Health are a national reference center for diagnosing Corona virus cases, and they were recently approved by the World Health Organization as a reference laboratory for countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Corona Virus (Covid ۱۹). Sultan Qaboos University and University Hospital laboratories have the latest diagnostic and advanced technologies in the field of laboratory examination and genetic sequencing, supported by qualified Omani competencies in this field.
