The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major challenge to infectious disease monitoring systems. Viral genome sequencing has become a vital tool for diagnosing COVID-19 and understanding its epidemiology and virology. Sequencing enables authorities to determine the geographical origin of cases and whether infections are part of the same transmission chain. Advanced genetic sequencing technologies provide essential support for COVID-19 surveillance, research, control and public health response.
MGI sequencing platforms have played a key role in identifying, monitoring and tracking COVID-19 variants in several provinces across China, including Shandong, Yunnan, Guizhou and Inner Mongolia.
MGI DNBSEQ-50 Enables Gene Sequencing in Ruili, Yunnan
On 18 February, the Ruili Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received an MGI DNBSEQ-50 gene sequencer*, making Ruili the first city in Yunnan capable of performing local gene sequencing. This provides instrumental support for controlling and preventing COVID-19 variant spread.
“The sequencing platform is easy to operate and can obtain the virus sequence within 20 to 24 hours, saving nearly half the time compared to traditional methods,” said a lab technician at Ruili CDC.
MGI DNBSEQ-400 Supports Rapid Variant Sequencing in Guizhou
On 26 January, Guizhou Province reported a positive case in Anshun city. In response, local authorities established an expert group to conduct rapid viral genome sequencing using MGI’s DNBSEQ-400 platform* to identify the virus origin. The first Omicron variant case was confirmed on the platform, supported by MGI lab technicians.
The DNBSEQ-400* is a comprehensive benchtop sequencer offering high accuracy at low cost. Guizhou CDC highlighted its efficiency and flexibility, praising its support for rapid tracing, scientific guidance and clinical management of COVID-19.
MGI DNBSEQ-400 High-throughput Gene Sequencing Platform
MGI DNBSEQ-400* has also been used to sequence and trace Delta variant strains in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. The Hohhot CDC recently employed MGI high-throughput sequencers to identify and trace 33 Delta cases, providing critical technical support for pandemic control.
MGI DNBSEQ-50 Contributes to Virus Sequencing in Liaocheng, Shandong
On 23 January, Liaocheng confirmed a local asymptomatic COVID-19 case. The Liaocheng CDC performed whole-genome sequencing using the DNBSEQ-50 platform*. The Delta variant was identified as branch B.1.617.2, showing high homology with sequences from Fengtai, Beijing, according to Shandong Provincial CDC. This genome sequencing provided key data for virus analysis, monitoring and epidemiological tracking.
As one of only three companies worldwide capable of mass-producing clinical high-throughput sequencers, MGI has played an integral role in the global fight against COVID-19 using its proprietary DNBSEQ™ sequencing technology. To date, MGI’s platforms have supported over 100 healthcare institutions in identifying, monitoring and tracing COVID-19 cases, including CDCs in cities such as Xiamen, Ruili, Haikou, Jinan, Shijiazhuang and others across China.
*StandardMPS and CoolMPS sequencing reagents, and sequencers for use with such reagents, are not available in Germany, USA, Spain, UK, Hong Kong, Sweden, Belgium or Italy.
