A new molecular methodology for sensitive detection and quantification of mutant strains / variants of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples using a range of molecular methods, including Next Generation Sequencing / NGS, has been developed by the Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), through the cooperation of research units, in the framework of a program supervised by Professor Andreas Skorilas.
The relevant article is entitled “Novel Nested-Seq Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Real-time Epidemiology and In-depth Mutational Profiling in Wastewater” and is signed by researchers Margaritis Avgeris, Panagiotis Adamopoulos, Aikaterini Galani, Marieta Xagorari, Dimitrios Gourgiotis, Ioannis Trougakos, Nikolaos Voulgaris, Thanos Dimopoulos (rector of EKPA), Nikolaos Thomaidis and Andreas Skorilas.
The article was accepted for publication in the prestigious international scientific journal “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”, while an application for a National and International Patent has been submitted by EKPA.
This is a very important success, as it concerns the development of a new hypersensitive molecular methodology for the identification of mutations in “difficult samples”, at the international level. The research, during the peer review, was judged by several anonymous international judges, who assessed the methodological process, the importance and the originality.
The study of SARS-CoV-2 levels and mutant strains in urban wastewater and structures represents an innovative and cost-effective approach to establishing a SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology surveillance system at local and national level. This hypersensitive methodology, which can produce results even in 50ml of sample, is particularly important because it shows the presence and percentage of mutants in the total population of a city or a tourist structure. This methodology meets the requirements of the relevant recommendation of 15-3-2021 of the European Commission for the common approach in establishing systematic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in wastewater. In addition, it detects in time new variants that are just beginning to enter the population.
The first results of application of the method are in line with the corresponding subsequent clinical data in patient samples of the population, supporting the utilization of control of SARS-CoV-2 strains in urban or other structure effluents as a main and timely indicator of the spread of new variants. of the virus in the population and consequently the taking of targeted decisions to address COVID-19.
The new method facilitates the genomic surveillance of new SARS-CoV-2 strains and, with appropriate modification, other viruses or bacteria, providing the information needed for epidemiological surveillance as well as the redesign of new vaccines and drug protocols.
Latest News
Europeche: Greek Apricot Production Recovers
Europeche forecasts the production will bounce back despite a slight decrease in varieties attributed to high winter temperatures
Bank of Greece (BoG): Business-Household Deposits Up 1,675bln in March 2024
In March 2024, the monthly net flow of credit to the general government was negative by 469 million euros
FT: Greece’s Economic Rebound a Balance of Growth and Poverty
Eurostat data revealed a significant 10.8% drop in Greek public debt relative to GDP in 2023, alongside a 2% economic expansion, outpacing Germany's performance.
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024
Eurostat: Greece Records Largest Drop in Natural Gas Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
The price of electricity and natural gas in Europe was down following a substantial surge that began before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and peaked in 2022
GEK TERNA Still Considers Leveraging Concessions Portfolio as Financial Tool
President and CEO of Gek Terna George Peristeris explained the company's plans on Tuesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of sections of Greece's E65 highway
NielsenIQ: 3% Supermarket Revenue Increase in Q1
Private label products are gaining traction, comprising 25.4% of shopping basket shares, up from 24.7%
Store Hours Change Today in Observation of Orthodox Easter
The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce hopes the Easter period will provide a much-needed boost to retail traffic in the capital
Athens-area Mass Transit Systems Set to Finally Install Contact-less Fare Payment
Paying fares via bank cards, smartphones and smartwatches in all mass transit systems in the Greek capital, namely, buses, trolleys, the metro and tram lines, is scheduled by the end of the year
Council of State Rejects Motion Against Thessaloniki Motorway Project
The motion was filed earlier this month by three local citizens’ and environmental groups and generated a high court decision for a temporary stay in construction