Researchers have found 30 new mutated coronaviruses in Sylhet, six of which have never been found anywhere in the world before.

Researchers from the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SHUST) have sequenced the genome of coronavirus in the Sylhet division. Through this, they have found 30 new types of mutated coronavirus, 6 of which have never been found anywhere in the world before. According to the researchers, the study was conducted from samples collected from Sunamganj and Habiganj districts of Sylhet.

He collected coronavirus samples from different areas of the Sylhet division and sequenced their genomes. In Sunamganj and Habiganj, analysis of the genes of 10 samples of corona revealed 47 changes in protein levels. Of these, 30 modified coronaviruses are brand new in Bangladesh.

GM Noor Nabi Azad Jewel, a lecturer in the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Shabiprabi, said 47 mutations were found at the protein level. Of these, 30 mutations are from Bangladesh which has not been reported before.

The Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology is working with these mutants to unravel the dynamics and diversity of corona in the region. As a result, researchers believe that this research will be useful in vaccine management.

Nazmul Hasan, a Ph.D. Research Fellow in the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Shabiprabi said genome sequencing would play an important role in vaccine innovation. Genome sequencing needs to be done at regular intervals.

The research team of Shabi Prabir is conducting non-stop research after the start of the sample test in the PCR lab in Shabi Prabir. However, those concerned demanded that adequate equipment and chemicals be made available for research.

Professor Mohammad Shamsul Haque, head of the department of genetics engineering and biotechnology at the university, said, “Our team of 30 people is working day and night.

Authorities are providing the necessary materials and they have assured more cooperation so that it will be easier to determine the nature of the corona in the entire Sylhet division.

The administration is working to increase the facilities for all types of research work, including the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, said University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Farid Uddin Ahmed.