Genetic Signatures

19 RNA viruses typically have high mutation rates. While SARS-CoV-2 has a notable ability to ‘proofread’ its transcriptions, epidemiologists estimate it still has a mutation rate of 2 mutations per month or about half that of influenza 4 . Mutations are essentially mistakes in the genetic sequence when the RNA replicates. The number of mutations with potential negative impacts on people will increase with each wave of infection. Genomic epidemiology uses genomic sequence data to study and model disease transmission and population dynamics including how mutations arise and spread. As the pandemic progressed, scientists have named and mapped key variations of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, like the Delta strain, to understand how it is being transmitted and spread at a local and global level. By March 2021 nearly a million SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences had been shared globally 5 . Some mutations have the potential to increase transmissibility, infectiousness and/or virulence and to make vaccines less effective. Ultimately global suppression of the pandemic is required to minimise mutations and further outbreaks. We have a shared interest in suppressing the virus in every country. We therefore need to increase our ability to undertake quality global genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other respiratory pathogens. Genetic Signatures 3base ™ technology enables real time, accurate, high volume and low-cost diagnosis needed to continue to understand and manage COVID-19 outbreaks across all countries including those with low testing capability. While Genetic Signatures have chosen to use gold-standard PCR for EasyScreen ™ detection kits, and have developed efficient workflows on Genetic Signatures branded instruments, the technology remains compatible with all nucleic acid detection technology, and can be “open platform” or suitable to be run on equipment already present in testing laboratories. Genetic Signatures’ front-line assays can detect Delta and all other known new variants of SARS- CoV-2. Genetic Signatures is developing assays to identify specific strains of concern, such as the Delta variant. Through unprecedented global collaboration and investment, effective vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been developed in less than a year. With new messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, synthetic mRNA encodes a protein that activates the immune system. As mRNA vaccines are safe, inexpensive and can be scaled up, they will help us develop boosters to counter new COVID-19 variants. With the roll out of vaccines, governments are trialling differing COVID-19 testing strategies. However, the need to monitor and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks including new strains will continue, with such monitoring becoming an on-going part of all health systems as COVID-19 becomes an endemic disease akin to the management of seasonal flu. 1 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/how-will-the-pandemic- end-the-science-of-past-outbreaks-offers-clues 2 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01827-w 3 Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03767-x (2021). 4 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02544-6 5 https://www.gisaid.org Identifying andMapping Strains of SARS-CoV-2