Much of the data that exists on this novel virus is based on detecting the genetic material, but does not confirm whether the virus is viable and able to cause infection.
Cape Town – Collaborative efforts by the University of the Western Cape and Stellenbosch University have yielded South Africa's first isolated novel coronavirus culture. “Having a pure culture of the virus opens doors for research in South Africa.
Suliman is a post-doctoral research fellow working under Professor Megan Shaw, an influenza expert who recently relocated from the US to join UWC. The virus, for example, can be used to test new antiviral compounds, which could potentially lead to clinical trials. “Although South Africa is the leading African country in science and technology, we remain a resource-limited setting by developed world standards.
“Virus culture was previously used routinely in diagnostic procedures, which has now been replaced with rapid, sophisticated and hi-tech molecular techniques with greater capacity and accuracy, and faster turnaround times.
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