In the framework of the Flagship Research Initiative of SARS-Cov-2, in the period 01.01.2021 - 31.10.2021 INAB|CERTH has processed a total of 42.756 samples with the method of molecular identification of the virus (RT-PCR) developed by Flagship Research Initiative. In addition, 10.554 samples have been processed by the rapid enzyme immunoassay method.
Finally, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by enzyme immunoassay ELISA in 223 samples. In addition, INAB|CERTH created a standard collection of positive and negative samples, analyzed T and B cell receptors in 150 samples, and sequenced a total of 3.956 samples in the reference period, all of which have completed bioinformatics analysis and interpretation. The study group included diagnostic samples of nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal smear from patients with COVID-19 from areas of Northern and Central Greece. Particular importance was given to the analysis of samples from the region of Thessaloniki and Western Macedonia due to the increased epidemiological burden of the region, as well as due to the occurrence of COVID-19 cases in fur animals (mink) which are also studied at the Institute.
In addition, an innovative bioinformatics methodology for the detection of virus mutations in wastewater has been developed and implemented at the Institute. Specifically, after sequencing samples from Thessaloniki wastewater corresponding to 14 weeks (02/12/2020 to 06/05/2021), it was possible to detect and quantify the individual strains that appear much earlier than their systematic appearance in clinics samples. A total of 28 samples of wastewater from the wider area of Thessaloniki have been sequenced in INAB|CERTH.
Finally, innovative bioinformatics tools were developed for the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 data in order to achieve the definition of qualitative and quantitative data quality criteria, for the safe evaluation of the strain, and the identification of specific tools and sub-parameters that can lead to unambiguous valuation of the strain.
INAB|CERTH is the coordinator of the Wastewater Surveillance Working Group, which was launched as a joint action with EMBL-EBI, and which includes 10 European Union countries as well as a representative of the EC. The aim of the working group is to standardize actions for the analysis of sequencing data derived from wastewater, as well as the exchange of good practices for the recording and disposal of relevant data, in order to ensure their reuse by all countries.