COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of genomics in pandemic response. In Africa, where genomics research is steadily catching up with European and North American standards, MGI (Shenzhen, China) has been partnering with local organisations to expand sequencing capabilities and improve responses to COVID-19 and other major health threats.
Earlier this year, MGI partnered with MEDIAG Análises Clínicas (Luanda, Angola), the country’s first genomics laboratory authorised for COVID-19 testing. MGI provided the DNBSEQ-G50 sequencer and MGISP-100 automated sample preparation system, along with the ATOPlex RNA Library Prep Set to enhance sequencing capability.
“Genomics have become central in tackling COVID-19,” commented Lourenço Quixari (Mediag SA). “This collaboration with MGI has expanded our capacity and empowered us to detect and respond more effectively to possible variants in the future.”
MGI’s high-efficiency technology improves the speed, efficiency, and affordability of laboratory workflows. The DNBSEQ-G50, based on proprietary DNBSEQ™ technology, is a compact, flexible benchtop sequencer supporting medical research, clinical diagnostics, and agriculture. The MGISP-100 automates high-throughput library preparation, reducing manual handling.
MGI’s ATOPlex ultra-high multiplex platform enables effective whole-genome sequencing, COVID-19 variant monitoring, and customized panels for pathogenic micro-organisms.
The same systems were provided to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos. Using the DNBSEQ-G50, NIMR developed a workflow for complete genome sequencing and identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
“To date, we have sequenced hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 genomes using MGI’s DNBSEQ-G50,” said James Tunde, Research Fellow at NIMR. “This data contributes to a robust public health response in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.”
MGI’s technology has been vital in detecting, monitoring, and tracing COVID-19 and its variants. In South Africa, ATOPlex, DNBSEQ-G50, and MGISP-100 assisted researchers from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in wastewater surveillance, detecting the Omicron variant in 11 of 12 samples in Cape Town.
In Sierra Leone, the DNBSEQ-G50 supports national COVID-19 testing labs, aiding detection, genomic sequencing, and research on diseases including malaria and Ebola.
“Genetic technology has immense potential beyond COVID-19. It can be applied to genomic medicine, and with MGI’s technology, we aim to contribute to global science,” said Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Health.
MGI’s tools also support agrigenomics and cancer genomics in Africa. At the Agriculture Research Council (ARC) in Pretoria, South Africa, the DNBSEQ-G400 fosters innovation in local agriculture research.
In cancer research, MGI is collaborating with Yemaachi Biotech (Accra, Ghana) to create a pan-African genomic and clinical knowledge base for precision oncology, leveraging DNBSEQ™ technology and DNBSEQ-G400.
From supporting COVID-19 management to advancing agrigenomics and oncology, MGI is recognised by African partners for the speed, efficiency, and affordability of its technology. MGI remains committed to empowering genomics research and strengthening healthcare across the continent.
Click here to register for a webinar on 29 June 2022 with NIMR to learn how MGI’s technology facilitated SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing.
