H1N1 sequencing and infection control
One might suggest is that
what geneticists have learned about H1N1 sequencing to assist in infection
control, is the tip of the iceberg with respect to its vast scope, complexity
and potential value, as a diagnostic tool of the future.
What is H1N1 sequencing?
A sequence is a continuous or
connected series. For example, when one speaks of H1N1 sequencing, the H1N1 virus
appears to be part of a continuous and connected series of viruses. The
sequence is important to note, particularly when it comes to infection control.
When one refers to infection
control, it is in a broader sense that includes the prevention of the spread of
an infection, like the current H1N1 virus. It also has to do with the
possibility of controlling other variations of the H1N1 virus that may appear
on the global medical horizon, at some time in the future.
Taking sequencing a bit
further, what does this mean in terms of human genetics or genes?
'Genome' is a combination of
the words 'gene' and 'chromosome'. (1)
What is a genome?
"In modern molecular
biology, the genome is the entirety of an organism's hereditary information. It
is encoded either in DNA or, for many types of virus, in RNA. The genome
includes both the genes and the non-coding sequences of the DNA." (2)
Researchers are becoming
increasingly interested in human genetic sequencing, because of what it can
reveal with respect to medical diagnostics of the present, as well as
implications for the future.
"The Human Genome Project
was organized to map and to sequence the human genome." (3)
Is the word 'genome' actually a
new term that originated in our era?
"The term was adapted in 1920, by Hans Winkler,
Professor of Botany at the University of Hamburg, Germany." (4)
Genomics are still in their infancy. One might ask what the sequencing of the H1N1 virus has to do with the sequencing of the human genome.
Is the unveiling of genetic
sequences not both difficult and costly? The data that is collected still has to be
recorded somewhere, in order to be used for medical scientific reference.
"The development of new
technologies has dramatically decreased the difficulty and cost of sequencing,
and the number of complete genome sequences is rising rapidly. Among many
genome database sites, the one maintained by the US National Institutes of
Health is inclusive. These new technologies open up the prospect of personal
genome sequencing as an important diagnostic tool." (5)
Historically, genome sequencing
was not necessarily full genome sequencing.
"Full genome sequencing
(FGS), also known as whole genome sequencing, complete genome sequencing, or
entire genome sequencing, is a laboratory process that determines the complete
DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time." (6)
Medical scientists are aware
that both H1N1 virus sequencing and genome sequencing in human beings are
relatively complex in nature. Engaging in complete genetic sequencing reveals
important medical data.
Paralleling human genome
sequencing with H1N1 virus sequencing may ultimately lead towards the
elimination of the H1N1 virus, as well as subsequent variations thereof. There
is also the possibility of being able to sequence the genetic data from new,
different or totally unrelated, infectious diseases. Thus, genetic sequencing
has major, positive implications for the health of human beings, all around the
globe.
Other kinds of genetic
sequencing parallels, present even more information for medical scientists to
decipher in terms of medical signification. The research process is not just as
simple as an H1N1 virus and human beings, because disease transmission is often
through another agent, as well. For example, the H1N1 was unique in that it was
spreading through pigs, unlike a previous flu virus attributed to birds.
The discovery, as well as the
recovery of unknown genetic data through complete scientific medical
sequencing will lead to improved diagnostics, advanced medical scientific
theories, as well as new methodology with regard to treatment, control and
prevention of infectious diseases.
The medical science road is not
fully paved yet, as there are still many missing links, but H1N1 sequencing to
assist in infection control, appears to be heading in the right direction.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
6.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_Genome_Sequencing
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