Distt level microlabs for genomic surveillance of Covid-19

Geneva-based FIND, a global alliance for diagnostics, has partnered with Delhi-based Institute of Genomics and Integrated Biology (IGIB) to set up ‘MicroLabs’ at the district level to boost India’s genomic sequencing capacity for better surveillance of Covid-19. The “MicroLabs” will be capable of sequencing, analysis and interpretation of sequencing data with minimal turnaround time.

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

“Omicron has shown us how vital genomic sequencing is – for monitoring the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and identifying emerging mutations rapidly to inform public health action locally and globally. Building on our track record of strengthening diagnostic capacity in India as well as our established sequencing programme at FIND, this partnership with CSIR-IGIB will bring sequencing capabilities closer to patients, which means faster response times that can help keep everyone safe,” says Dr. Sanjay Sarin, Vice President, Access, FIND.

“MicroLabs-based genome sequencing of pathogens would take labs to the people, allowing for rapid variant detection and prioritising sequencing of clinically relevant samples. This would advance a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model of genomic surveillance comprising both – MegaLabs (high-throughput sequencing) and MicroLabs (high-priority sequencing). This is especially important as we make progress towards monitoring the ports of entry for possibly tracking of Omicron entry to India. In addition to VOC (variant of concern), understanding genomic mutations underlying vaccination breakthrough is also equally important and merits tracking through network of MicroLabs,, says Dr. Rajesh Pandey, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IGIB.

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

India does not permit private laboratories to carry out genomic testing of Covid-19 samples. A consortium of government institutions has the sole right to conduct such tests. CSIR institutions are part of this network.