FROM PAGE 3

understanding the mode of the second wave and taking preventive measures,” he said.

“We conducted a similar type of study, after onset of the pandemic last year, and it was seen that the Italian and Chinese variants were behind the first wave,” said Dr Goutam.

As part of the study, 10 samples were collected for whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2, said Prof Sharmin Chowdhury of pathology at CVASU, also a member of the research team. The samples were sent to the laboratory of Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) for whole genome sequencing.

After genome sequencing, it was seen that six of them were infected by the UK variant (B.1.1.7), while three were infected by the South African variant (B.1.351), and one was infected by the Australian variant.

Of the 10 patients, five were to be hospitalised, and the others took treatment at home, said Dr Sharmin.

“Apart from seven researchers from CVASU, two researchers from BCSIR also took part in this research,” she said, adding that result of the study was updated in the international database.

Asked, Dr Goutam said to prevent spread of the Indian variant in the country, Indian truck drivers, who transport goods from India, should be allowed to enter into Bangladesh after checking Covid-19 negative certificate.

“Besides, a 14-day mandatory institutional quarantine should be imposed on those who would come from India and other countries labelled as highly risky,” he said. “The most important point for everybody is to follow health rules when going outside.”