Naval Medical Research Center Uses Genome Sequencing for Variants

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Research and Innovation | Coronavirus & the MHS Response | Coronavirus


Editor’s observe: This is the fifth posting in a 6-aspect sequence that highlights the do the job of specialists and researchers in Navy Well being Method laboratories who worked to recognize COVID-19 variants using distinctive sequencing know-how.
The Naval Health-related Exploration Center’s Biological Protection Investigation Directorate has sequenced above 6,700 samples and offered assist to important shipboard and navy education populations to recognize COVID-19 variants. Particular fleet assets supported with viral genome sequencing by NMRC involve the USS Theodore Roosevelt and eight other ships. It also consists of army therapy facilities, the fleet, and the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps units, with samples originating in the United States and from four continents.
“Becoming in a position to offer in depth information relating to the variants will allow for up-to-day information to the fleet and Marine drive, as perfectly as other expert services,” claimed U.S. Navy Capt. William Deniston, commander of Naval Medical Research Middle. “This information aids advise leadership on the most present threats to the armed forces.”
The facts presented on samples from Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. naval foundation in Djibouti, Africa, aided provide crucial details for stakeholders in U.S. Africa Command and the West African region, by giving surveillance of circulating variants in U.S. forces in an below-sampled region. The SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences developed at NMRC had been the to start with released viral sequences from Djibouti and resulted in identification of unusual mutations.
Headquartered at Fort Detrick, Maryland, the NMRC-BDRD also performed an instrumental purpose in the COVID-19 outbreak response, coordinating SARS-CoV-2 sample receiving and sharing amongst labs in the Countrywide Funds Region. NMRC’s efforts offered crucial support for sequencing and viral isolation to the Division of Protection and Armed forces Overall health Technique, as perfectly as instruction to associate laboratories on SARS-CoV-2 protocols and bioinformatics examination.
“NMRC’s BDRD is uniquely qualified to conduct the deep sequencing essential to do this work. The incredible scientists we have at NMRC are the very best in the business enterprise,” said Deniston.
