Universitas Gadjah Mada Research Team discovered four mutations of the Covid-19 virus in Yogyakarta and Central Java. The FK-KMK UGM Genetic Working Group and the team have succeeded in identifying the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of four isolates from Yogyakarta and Central Java suspected of containing the D614G mutation.
For the information, the D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 virus has ten times higher infectious potential. It has spread to almost all corners of the world. There is 77.5 percent of the total 92,090 isolates containing the D614G mutation. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, 9 of the 24 isolates published have been reported to contain the D614G mutation. "A third of them detected in Yogyakarta and Central Java," said the Head of the Genetics Working Group of FK-KMK UGM, dr. Gunadi, Sp.BA., Ph.D., to reporters at the Fortakgama room in UGM Central Building on Wednesday (2/9).
According to Gunadi, he took thousands of isolated samples from Yogyakarta and Central Java. However, 15 samples found mutations, but only four isolates were considered mutated after further testing. "From the four samples, three samples from DIY and one sample from Central Java," he said.
Another research member from the FK-KMK Diagnostic Laboratory team, dr. Titik Nuryastuti, M.Sc., Ph.D, Sp.MK (K) said that four samples of mutated isolates were collected from all samples in 98 health facilities (faskes) in Yogyakarta and 30 health facilities in Central Java. In his remarks, samples from this health facility taken from various hospitals, health centers, and the health office. "The sample in DIY is more dominant. There were 11,250 samples recorded and 4,311 samples from Central Java. Overall, there were 1,083 tested positive," he added.
Gunadi emphasized based on the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected with the D614G mutation. Therefore, all parties should improve their disciplines in implementing health protocols, such as washing hands, using masks, avoiding crowds, and always maintaining distance.
dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., PhD., SpOG (K). As the Dean of FK-KMK, Prof. said that the Covid-19 virus mutation's initial discovery hopefully could support the government's efforts, which are currently in testing vaccine development. "We are very grateful for this primary discovery so that later hopefully it can be useful in the development of vaccines and drugs and future therapies. Besides, hopefully, it has an impact on public health policy strategies and patient management in hospitals," he said.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Translator: Natasa A