UGM Finds 4 Mutations Of COVID-19 In Yogyakarta And Central Java

JAKARTA - The new variant of COVID-19 is now a concern. The Indonesian government even closed its doors to foreign nationals (WNA) for two weeks in early 2021 to prevent the possibility of spreading the new variant of COVID-19.

Regarding the new COVID-19 variant, researchers from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) found four mutations of the COVID-19 virus in Yogyakarta and Central Java. Through the FK-KMK UGM Genetic Working Group and the team has succeeded in identifying the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of four isolates from Yogyakarta and Central Java that are suspected to contain the D614G mutation.

The D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 virus has 10 times higher infectious power and has spread to almost all corners of the world, namely 77.5 percent of the total 92,090 isolates containing the D614G mutation. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, 9 of the 24 isolates published have been reported to contain the D614G mutation.

"One third of them were detected in Yogyakarta and Central Java," said the Chairperson of the UGM FK-KMK Genetic Working Group, dr. Gunadi, Sp.BA., Ph.D. Quoted from the UGM website, Tuesday, December 29.

According to Gunadi, his party took thousands of isolate samples from Yogyakarta and Central Java, however, it was found that there were 15 samples that were known to be mutated but after further testing, only four isolates were considered mutated.

"Of the four samples, three samples from DIY and one sample from Central Java," he said.

Another research member from the FK-KMK Diagnostic Laboratory team, dr. Titik Nuryastuti said that the four samples of these mutated isolates were obtained after the team collected all samples from 98 health facilities (faskes) in DIY and 30 health facilities in Central Java. According to him, samples from this health facility were taken from various hospitals, health centers and the health office.

"The sample in DIY is more dominant, recorded 11,250 samples and 4,311 samples from Central Java. Overall, there were 1,083 who tested positive, "he said.

Gunadi emphasized the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected with the D614G mutation, all parties should be more disciplined in implementing health protocols, such as washing hands, wearing masks, avoiding crowds and always maintaining distance.

Dean of FK-KMK, Prof. Ova Emilia. said the initial discovery of the discovery of the mutation of the COVID-19 virus was expected to support the efforts of the government, which is currently in testing vaccine development.

"We are very grateful for this initial discovery so that later it can play a role in the development of vaccines and drugs and future therapies. In addition, it has an impact on public health policy strategies and patient management in hospitals, "he said.