There are some institutes and private organizations where NGS machines are available and virus genome sequencing can be done, and we also have expert and experienced bioinfomaticians who can perform complete genome sequence analysis. We compared the sequence with that of first reported coronavirus genome sequence from Wuhan, China -- which is globally considered as “reference.” Strikingly, we have found that this genome is very similar (99.7% similarity) to that of reference SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Wuhan. Interestingly, of these nine mutations, it contains a mutation (Single Nucleotide Mutation or SNP) in its spike protein. It is imperative to understand that to comprehend the pattern of infection in Bangladesh, only one genome sequence is not enough. Also, the ICT Ministry will be able to announce that Bangladesh has uncovered the genome mystery of the coronavirus circulating in Bangladesh and trace back the transmission.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 15, 2020 19:07 UTC