Whole Genome Sequencing News and Research

RSS

First cases of co-infection with Delta and Omicron identified during local co-circulation of both SARS-CoV-2 lineages

Researchers revealed the co-infection of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in two epidemiologically unrelated patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and requiring hemodialysis

17 Feb 2022

Study investigates what causes blood malignancies linked to gene therapy for sickle cell disease

Gene therapy trials for sickle cell disease have been showing great promise, even offering hope of a cure. But in early 2021, the trials ground to a halt after reports of blood malignancies in two people in a trial sponsored by bluebird bio.

16 Feb 2022

Study helps understand actionable genetic variation affecting drugs in the Middle East population

A group of researchers at Qatar Foundation have reported the first comprehensive study of the distribution of actionable genetic variation affecting drugs in any Middle Eastern population, with potential implications for preemptive pharmacogenomic implementation in the region.

16 Feb 2022

Study explores rapid SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing to help reduce hospital-acquired COVID-19 infections

In a new study, researchers examined whether SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing could be routinely used for infection prevention and control in hospitals.

15 Feb 2022

Impact of rapid and comprehensive RT-qPCR for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Researchers reported the development and validation of a two-reaction multiplex reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction genotyping strategy that distinguishes SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

14 Feb 2022

Spillover of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in white-tailed deer in New York

Researchers detected evidence for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant exposure in the white-tailed deer population inhabiting Staten Island in New York.

10 Feb 2022

Compounds used to fight fungal diseases in plants may be driving antimicrobial resistance

New research from the University of Georgia has shown, for the first time, that compounds used to fight fungal diseases in plants are causing resistance to antifungal medications used to treat people.

8 Feb 2022

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on clinical trajectory and outcome

The current study describes the results of examining a patient database to understand just how Omicron affected the clinical outcome.

8 Feb 2022

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infection in a domestic cat

The first published case describing the Delta variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a domestic cat in the United States highlights the realistic scenario of spillover infections with emerging viral variants that threaten human and animal health.

6 Feb 2022

Study finds increased vaccine breakthrough, less hospitalization rates and disease severity in omicron patients

Within only three weeks after the omicron variant was first identified among Houston Methodist patients, this variant rapidly took over and became the cause of a majority of new cases.

4 Feb 2022

Exploring the comparative efficacy of booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants

In a new study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants.

4 Feb 2022

Genome study reveals unexpected heterogeneity of human ribosomal RNA genes

A genome study undertaken by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers to look for variants in a gene considered a fundamental building block for microscopic structures that synthesize proteins took a surprising twist.

2 Feb 2022

N gene target failure method effectively detects SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in clinical samples

In a new study, researchers demonstrated that a commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay rapidly detects the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

2 Feb 2022

Experimental immunotherapy could help treat some people with metastatic breast cancer

An experimental form of immunotherapy that uses an individual's own tumor-fighting immune cells could potentially be used to treat people with metastatic breast cancer, according to results from an ongoing clinical trial led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research, part of the National Institutes of Health.

1 Feb 2022

Research shows rapid antigen tests can detect SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron

Researchers determined the analytical sensitivity of a CE-marked fast antigen with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, Delta, Alpha, and Gamma variants.

31 Jan 2022

Immunity based upon “mild" Omicron infection is weak for Omicron reinfection

Researchers evaluate antibody responses in vaccinated individuals who subsequently developed Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections.

30 Jan 2022

Evidence on intra-host recombination of SARS-CoV-2 during superinfection by Alpha and Epsilon variants in USA

A new study captured an instance of SARS-CoV-2 superinfection in an individual, simultaneously infected by two SARS-CoV-2 variants, Alpha and Epsilon during the second COVID-19 wave in New York City in early 2021.

28 Jan 2022

Danish study shows lower risk of hospitalization in Omicron cases compared to Delta

In a recent study posted to the Preprints with The Lancet* server, a large team of researchers estimated the comparative risk of hospitalization after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron and Delta variants of concern (VOCs) in Denmark.

24 Jan 2022

Indian study suggests significant decrease in protection from vaccine or natural immunity against Omicron variant

Researchers present evidence for early community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in New Delhi, India.

20 Jan 2022

A novel assay for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants

A new study discusses a new assay method designed by researchers to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants.