Genome mapping of Chandipura virus

Source- This post on Genome mapping of Chandipura virus has been created based on the article “Genome mapping of Chandipura virus: what researchers found” published in “Indian Express” on 5th September 2024.

Why in News?

Researchers at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar have published a comprehensive genome map of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV). This viral infection, which causes Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), was responsible for a significant number of encephalitis cases during the July-August outbreak in Gujarat.

Key Findings from Chandipura Virus Genome Mapping

1. Minimal Genetic Changes: The Chandipura virus has not evolved significantly since the 2003-04 outbreak, showing only minor changes in its glycoprotein gene, indicating no strong pressure to escape immunity due to a lack of widespread antibodies and vaccine.

2. Low Viral Load, High Severity: Despite a low viral load (high Ct values in tests), the virus caused severe symptoms and high fatality rates, underscoring its potency even with minimal presence.

3. Local Origin Confirmed: The virus strain from the current outbreak closely matches previous Indian strains and differs from European and African strains, confirming it is not imported but locally circulating.

About Genome Mapping

1. Genome refers to an organism’s complete set of DNA which includes all its genes and mapping these genes means finding out the location of these genes in a chromosome.

2. Genetic mapping offers evidence that whether a disease transmitted from parent to child is linked to one or more genes. It also provides clues about which chromosome contains the gene and precisely where the gene lies on that chromosome.

Significance of Genome Mapping

1. It can be used to find out genes that are responsible for relatively rare, single-gene inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

2. It may also point out scientists to the genes that play a role in more common disorders and diseases such as asthma, cancer and heart disease among others.

Read more: Chandipura Virus

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology