ABSTRACT
The SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world since its discovery in China, and Malaysia is no exception. WGS has been a crucial approach in studying the evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in the ongoing pandemic, and while an exceptional number of SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes have since been submitted to GISAID and NCBI, there is a scarcity of data from Malaysia. This study aims to report new Malaysian lineages responsible for the sustained spikes in COVID-19 cases during the third wave of the pandemic. Patients whose nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were confirmed positive by real-time RT-PCR with Ct-value < 25 were chosen for WGS. The 10 SARS-CoV-2 isolates obtained were then sequenced, characterized and analyzed, including 1356 sequences of the dominant lineages of D614G variant currently circulating throughout Malaysia. The prevalence of clade GH and G formed strong ground of the discovery of two Malaysian lineages that caused sustained spikes of cases locally. Statistical analysis on the association of gender and age group with Malaysian lineages revealed a significant association (p < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis revealed dispersion of 41 lineages, for which 22 lineages are still active. Mutational analysis observed unique G1223C missense mutation in Transmembrane Domain of Spike protein. Thus, calls for the large-scale WGS analysis of strains found around the world for greater understanding of viral evolution and genetic diversity especially in addressing the question of the effect of deleterious substitution mutation in transmembrane region of Spike protein.
ABSTRACT
@#In the past few years, compelling data have shown the potential crosstalk between dysbiosis of gut microbiota (GM) and impairment of systemic immune system. Since then, ideas on how GM partake in autoimmune conditions was put forward. Although genetic variability have been proven to contribute towards the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions, epigenetics control have gained interest among researchers. Current review highlights the crosstalk between autoimmune conditions and GM and its potential regulatory mechanisms. Convincing data from existing literature help in paving ways for more well-defined species in the future studies. The studies should focus on identifying the distinct species involve in different types of autoimmune diseases and their definitive role in autoimmunity. Ultimately, these data can be used for the advancement of therapeutic approach in personalized medicine.
