A look inside: B.C.'s whole genome sequencing lab on the hunt for Omicron COVID-19 variant
Every positive COVID-19 sample in B.C. is now being sent to the province’s whole genome sequencing lab in Vancouver, where they are being analyzed to determine if the patient was infected with the Omicron variant.
B.C. Centre for Disease Control microbiologist Natalie Prystajecky said the variant "has a characteristic genetic sequence."
"It has over 50 mutations across the entire genome, and even just 30 of the them in the spike alone," she said. "So when we are looking at the data, we are looking specifically for those mutations.”
This week, the unique mutations were detected in the positive test of a person who had recently returned to B.C. from Nigeria. It was B.C.’s first case of the Omicron variant.
The sample had been analyzed using a specialized rapid detection method, which is able to complete whole genome sequencing in about 30 hours, rather than the typical method which takes three to five days.
The rapid result method is being used on positive tests from travellers that had been to impacted regions, and their close contacts.
“It’s very focused on a limited number, but we can get an indication very quickly that this is an Omicron case, which is what we found. And then that’s fed up to people who need to know in public health, so they can take action,” said BCCDC senior scientist John Tyson.
The BCCDC lab can perform whole genome sequencing on 800 samples per day.
“And that exceeds the number of positives in the province so right now, we are going back and sequencing positives from earlier in November, just to make sure we haven’t missed any cases,” said Prystajecky.
So far, only one case has been confirmed to be the Omicron variant in B.C.
“We will need to time to see how quickly it will compete with the current Delta variant that is widespread,” said BCCDC medical director Mel Krajden, adding “We won’t know how effective the current vaccines are against this strain until we have more people infected.”
Correction
This story has been updated to correct the number of mutations seen in the variant. It's more than 50, not 15.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.