Developing sequencing platform for the on-site study of African diseases

In the perspective of increasing the scientific and technological improvement of West Africa, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) is strengthening its sequencing platform dedicated to study African diseases targeting the principal genetic factors contributing to infectious disease emergence from the pathogen, the host, the reservoir and the vector. In this regard, IPD is willing to acquire the NovaSeq 6000 System (Illumina) to reach large amounts of data analysis such as host, reservoir, and vector whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as well as ultradeep exome sequencing. An optimized workflow will allow multiplexing samples and reducing the amount of DNA input. The NovaSeq 6000 System also possesses a fully automated onboard cluster generation for reducing hands-on time. The NovaSeq 6000 System is compatible with various Illumina library preparation kits already in use at IPD and linked to the data science group making it an ideal long-term investment. The NovaSeq 6000 System will be positioned and maintained in IPD Sequencing Platform, which is located in a BSLII virology laboratory, fully accessible for all IPD scientists. In addition, through collaborations and training, the NovaSeq 6000 System will be available for researchers outside of IPD. A dedicated and experienced young staff scientist will operate the system.