Lugar Lab using genetic sequence technology to identify source of coronavirus

  • The Lugar Lab was opened in 2011 with the support of the US. Photo: RFE/RL., 25 Mar 2020 - 16:10, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Tbilisi-based Lugar Lab is capable of identifying the origin of certain cases of COVID-19 per its genetic sequence.

Deputy Head of Tbilisi Hospital of Infectious Diseases Paata Imnadze said that the source country of the virus in three cases had been identified.  

Lugar Lab can use genetic sequences to identify where an individual was infected. In three cases we did not know the exact source of the virus and we identified this. The individuals had contacts with people of different nationalities,” Imnadze said. 

Imnadze stated that several countries have not provided genetic materials and it is impossible to track the virus in all situations. 

The technology was unavailable several years ago.

The approach looks for genetic changes in the virus and helps scientists answer questions where and how the virus is spreading.