Aga Khan University researchers have confirmed the first cases of a coronavirus variant, B.1.1.7, in Pakistan after conducting advanced sequencing and then a complete genetic analysis of positive samples from travellers arriving from the United Kingdom.
This followed a ban on travellers from Britain by Pakistan, and countries around the world, amid fears over a new coronavirus variant first identified in the UK. The variant appears to be much more contagious than the original version that started the pandemic.
The variant has changes or mutations involve the spike protein of the virus - the part that helps it infect cells. It has undergone up to 23 mutations to date leading to a strain, which is potentially more infectious and therefore more likely to spread the threatening disease.
The genome sequencing was conducted at the request of the Sindh Health Department who asked the University and its clinical laboratory to test passengers arriving from the UK and to perform a genetic analysis of positive samples. To date, AKU has screened 12 samples to be positive for the new variant.
“The arrival of this strain in Pakistan is another reminder of the importance of following precautions to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections such as wearing face masks, physical distancing and regular handwashing,” said AKU’s Professor Zahra Hasan. “Since this strain is more infectious than others, there is a high risk of another surge in COVID-19 cases that could place an even greater burden on our healthcare system.”
Speaking about AKU’s collaboration with the government, Professor Rumina Hasan, who has supported pathogen sequencing initiatives at the University, said: “Keeping the public safe from COVID-19 requires not only fast and accurate testing but also the ability to understand how the virus is evolving. The rapid detection of the emerging strain reflects the value of our academic programmes that integrate research with clinical service.”
She added that the identification of these variants was only possible due to AKU’s close working relationship with the Sindh Health Department.
The University continues to work alongside the provincial health department to test samples from travellers from the UK as well as contacts of those who have tested positive, to facilitate the ‘track, trace and quarantine’ process..
AKU faculty members Faisal Mahmood from the department of medicine and Asghar Nasir, Akbar Kanji, Ali Raza, Najia Ghanchi, Akbar Kanji, Zeeshan Ansar and Safina Razzak from the department of pathology and laboratory medicine were involved in the initiative.