Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
09:26
Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
1.2K
Future COVID19 surges prediction based on SARS-CoV-2 mutations surveillance
Fares Z Najar1, Evan Linde1, Chelsea L Murphy1
1High-Performance Computing Center, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, United States.
Elife
|January 19, 2023
Summary
Real-time genomic surveillance using viral mutation analysis can predict COVID-19 surges. This method aids pandemic preparedness by forecasting infection increases for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genomic Surveillance
Background:
- Airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2 pose significant pandemic threats due to rapid mutation, high transmission, and fatality rates.
- Effective pandemic preparedness requires strategies beyond vaccines and treatments, including predictive methods for infection surges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a methodology for the a priori determination of infection surges using real-time genomic surveillance.
- To demonstrate the application of mutation analysis of viral proteins for predicting increases in infection cases.
Main Methods:
- Real-time genomic surveillance focusing on mutation analysis of viral proteins.
- Daily updates of virus sequences to monitor genetic changes.
Main Results:
- The study presents a methodology for predicting infection surges based on genomic data.
- Results for SARS-CoV-2 are available online and updated daily.
Conclusions:
- Real-time genomic surveillance, particularly mutation analysis, is a valuable tool for predicting infection surges.
- This approach is applicable to SARS-CoV-2 and can be generalized to other pathogens for enhanced pandemic preparedness.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
166
In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
166
00:36Viral Mutations
32.7K
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
32.7K
01:05Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
15.5K
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
15.5K
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
159
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
159