The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has published the only fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV) 

About Chandipur Vesiculovirus 

• Classification: The Chandipura Virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family which includes the rabies virus.
• Impact of the Virus: The Virus is known for causing sporadic cases and outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in western, central, and southern India, especially during the monsoon seasons.
• First Identified: The Virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra.
• Type: Chandipura virus is an enveloped RNA virus
• Found in: Since the virus was first discovered in India in 1965, most of the cases have been restricted to the Indian subcontinent.
  • Although no human cases have been observed outside India.
• Transmission Vectors: 
  • Primary Vector: Female Phlebotomine sandfly.
  • Additional vectors: Mosquitoes, and ticks.
• Transmission Mechanism: The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates through bites.
• Government Initiatives: The government has launched a drive across the state for vector control and containment of the Chandipura virus – Malathion Powder (a type of Pesticide) is  being sprinkled in the villages for disease control.

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What is Genome Mapping?

• It refers to the process of determining the location of genes on an organism’s chromosomes
• Application: Genome mapping provides important clues on where a virus comes from, how it is changing, and whether it has any mutations that are likely to make it more transmissible or deadly. 
• Genome Mapping vs Genome Sequencing

Applications of Genome Sequencing

• Medical research and Diagnosis: Genome sequencing can be used for genetic testing and diagnosis of hereditary diseases. 
  • For Example: The study of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing (WGS) data has led to many important findings about this pathogen.
• Drug Development: Genome sequencing can be used to identify new drug targets, optimise drug efficacy, and develop personalised medicine.
  • For Example: If a patient’s tumor has a mutation in the EGFR gene, genome sequencing can identify this mutation. 
  • Based on this information, doctors can prescribe targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors, which are more effective for patients with this specific genetic alteration.
• Agriculture: Genome sequencing can help breed crops and livestock with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. For Example: Bt Cotton
• Forensics: Genome sequencing can be used for forensic analysis, such as identifying victims of crimes and natural disasters.
  • For Example: Forensic scientists can compare DNA found at a crime scene (from blood or hair, for example) to DNA samples taken from suspects.
• Bioengineering: Genome sequencing can aid in the design and development of synthetic biological systems and biomolecules for various applications.
• Provides an insight in evolution: Scientists studying the genome sequences of early and modern humans have shown that our ancestors interbred with other hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans.

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