Importance of Sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 Genome Using the Nanopore Technique to Understand Its Origin, Evolution and Development of Possible Cures

The sequencing of the genome of new virus, such as the coronavirus type 2 of the acute severe respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), is essential and of great importance to mitigate new zoonotic outbreaks, which are caused by mutations present in structural and non-structural proteins that make up the viruses. Sequencing allows tracking the behavior of the virus locally and globally, knowing the route of transmission and spread of the virus, and determine the virulence rate. Current studies have been carried out, using first, second or third generation sequencing techniques, which have allowed reading and analyzing the nucleotides that make up the virus genome. Thus, the benefits of effective technologies to know its genetic composition in the shortest possible time become evident. New technologies are able to monitor an epidemic in real time, monitor the evolution and efficacy of a drug, the development of a vaccine as well as epidemiological advances. This work addresses the Oxford Nanopore sequencing, which is considered the most efficient and applied method for sequencing viruses that cause epidemics. Some of the advantages of using this sequencing are highlighted in this work, such as the ability to perform long readings and be able to obtain sample responses in short time. It’s also able to discover as much information as possible about the pathogen, being an important feature to deal with public health emergencies, such is the case of the COVID-19.