Distt level microlabs for genomic surveillance of Covid-19

FIND, a global alliance for diagnostics, based in Geneva, has partnered with the Institute of Genomics and Integrated Biology (IGIB) in Delhi to set up district-level ‘MicroLabs’ to strengthen the capacity of India’s genomic sequencing for better Covid-19 surveillance. MicroLabs will be able to sequence, analyze and interpret sequencing data with minimal turnaround time.

A robust genomic monitoring system has become essential with the emergence of Omicron. Point-of-care genome sequencing is essential to follow the evolution of the virus. In addition to supporting public health decision making for Covid-19, strengthening point-of-care sequencing capacity will have far-reaching implications for both short-term and long-term pandemic preparedness, a statement says. joint IGIB and FIND. IGIB is part of the Indian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) network of publicly funded research institutions. FIND is funded by governments, philanthropic organizations, commercial companies, academic and research institutions, and international public health organizations.

“Omicron has shown us how vital genomic sequencing is – to monitor the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and rapidly identify emerging mutations to inform public health action locally and globally. Our track record of diagnostic capacity building in India as well as our established sequencing program at FIND, this partnership with CSIR-IGIB will bring sequencing capabilities closer to patients, meaning faster response times which can help ensure everyone’s safety, ”said Dr. Sanjay Sarin, Vice President, Access, FIND.

“MicroLabs-based pathogen genome sequencing would bring laboratories to the people, enabling rapid detection of variants and prioritizing the sequencing of clinically relevant samples. This would advance a ‘star’ genomic surveillance model comprising both MegaLabs (high throughput sequencing) and MicroLabs (high priority sequencing). This is particularly important as we move forward with port of entry monitoring to potentially track Omicron’s entry into India. In addition to VOCs (variant of concern), understanding the genomic mutations underlying the vaccine breakthrough is also equally important and worth following through the MicroLabs network, says Dr Rajesh Pandey, Senior Scientist, CSIR -IGIB.

The partnership is expected to provide strategic guidance to integrate next-generation sequencing into broader national disease surveillance frameworks and inform analysis, management and data sharing. It will provide a platform for sharing knowledge and lessons learned to inform national capacity building efforts and policy guidance.

India does not allow private labs to perform genomic testing on Covid-19 samples. A consortium of government institutions has the exclusive right to perform such tests. The CSIR establishments are part of this network.