NEWS : Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to be extended to India’s neighbouring countries

INSACOG

• Established in December 2020
• Joint initiative of the Union Health Ministry of Health and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) (under the Ministry of Science and Technology) with the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• AIM – Expand the whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2

HOW IT HELPS

• The data from the genome sequencing laboratories is analysed as per the field data trends to study the linkages, if any, between the genomic variants and epidemiological trends
• Helps to understand super spreader events and outbreaks, and strengthen public health interventions across the country to help break chains of transmission
• Linking this data with IDSP data and the patient’s symptoms helps to better understand viral infection dynamics, and trends of morbidity and mortality
• Data can be linked with host genomics, immunology, clinical outcomes, and risk factors for a more comprehensive outlook
• Sequencing assumes added significance as the incidence of reinfections and vaccine breakthroughs increases