Validation of Isolate Stability Status and in silico Characterization of SARS-COV 2 Partial CdsRdRP Gene Sequences

Godwin Michael Ubi, Joseph K. Ebigwai, Ndem E. Edu, Paul B. Ekpo, Solomon I. Ofem and Imaobong S. Essien

Background and Objective: In December 2019, patients diagnosed with viral pneumonia due to an unidentified microbial agent were reported in Wuhan, China. A novel coronavirus was subsequently identified as the causative pathogen, provisionally named 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID 19). The article aimed to unmask the genetic stability and nature of the viruses and validated the safety guidelines adopted for the coronaviruses currently causing the global pandemic. Materials and Methods: This study uses in silico approach and bioinformatics tools to validate the stability status and characteristics of the novel SARS-COV 2 coronaviruses by retrieving nucleotide sequences isolated and deposited in the NCBI. Results: The results have revealed that 11 out of 12 isolates studied are genetically and thermally unstable. The aliphatic index ranged from 52.98-112.07 in MT187977.1-MT127116.1, respectively. The instability index among the sequences ranged from 39.58-73.65 in MT187977.1-MT152900.1 isolate, respectively. The G-C contents range from 37.28-49.26% in MN938385.1-MT187977.1, respectively. Phylogenetically, isolates MT127116.1, MT159778.1, MT050414.1 and MT042777.1 showed the same genetic and mutation pathway with an evolutionary distance of 0.4 and 0.8 divergence times relative to the last common ancestor. Conclusion: There is a need for concerted effort in studying and understanding the genetic and thermal stability status and other characteristics of the viruses to be able to find a suitable therapy and drug design for the pandemic and biosecurity of humans against the virus now and in the future.

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