Regarding the mutated new coronavirus that is spreading in the United Kingdom and other countries, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases has been attracting attention as it will develop a method to quickly detect mutated virus by PCR test, which will lead to strengthening of domestic monitoring system. I will.
The mutated new coronavirus, which is spreading in the United Kingdom and South Africa, has so far had to be investigated by a method that analyzes genetic information in detail using a special device, and the problem is that it takes time to obtain results. It was.
The method newly developed by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases can directly detect whether or not a mutation called "N501Y", which is the problem this time, has occurred in the viral gene using PCR test technology.
The test, which used to take more than half a day, can be done in a few hours, and the normal PCR test equipment can be used as it is by simply changing the reagents.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases is analyzing genes to prevent mutant viruses from entering the country, but if a new method is put into practical use, it will be possible to quickly examine a large number of samples. is.
Hideki Hasegawa, director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Influenza Virus Research Center, said, "It is important to prepare a quick detection method. In the future, we would like to use it to strengthen the monitoring system after further examination of accuracy etc. I'm talking.