THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONDUCTS A FULL GENOMIC STUDY OF CORONAVIRUS STRAINS IN RK
In order to prevent the risks associated with the spread of CVI and monitor circulating strains, the Ministry of Health conducts genome-wide sequencing of coronavirus strains isolated in the republic.
A study conducted in June, October 2020, and January 2021 found genetic similarities with strains identified in Germany, Spain, Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the United States, and China.
“British”, “South African”, “Brazilian” strains of the coronavirus have not been identified.
At the same time, this year the method of express-PCR-screening was introduced, aimed at identifying the probability of mutation in laboratory material of patients with CVI.
So, on March 17, 2021, on the basis of the reference laboratory of the branch of the National Center for Public Health in samples delivered from the city of Almaty, the probability of a mutation characteristic of the “British”, “South African”, “Brazilian” strains was revealed.
The final confirmation of the presence of the mutation and its belonging to the “British”, “South African”, “Brazilian” strains will be determined after the completion of genome-wide sequencing of positive samples with identified probable mutation.
At the same time, it should be noted that the measures for the prevention and treatment of CVI with and without mutations are identical.
This is the observance of the mask regime and social distance, the exclusion of visiting places of mass gathering of the population, the use of modern remote communication means for communication.
In addition, according to the Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after V.I. N.F. Gamaleya (Russia), the effectiveness of the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V) vaccines currently used in the Republic of Kazakhstan against the British strain has been proven.