1
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Holtz A, Van Weyenbergh J, Hong SL, Cuypers L, O'Toole Á, Dudas G, Gerdol M, Potter BI, Ntoumi F, Mapanguy CCM, Vanmechelen B, Wawina-Bokalanga T, Van Holm B, Menezes SM, Soubotko K, Van Pottelbergh G, Wollants E, Vermeersch P, Jacob AS, Maes B, Obbels D, Matheeussen V, Martens G, Gras J, Verhasselt B, Laffut W, Vael C, Goegebuer T, van der Kant R, Rousseau F, Schymkowitz J, Serrano L, Delgado J, Wenseleers T, Bours V, André E, Suchard MA, Rambaut A, Dellicour S, Maes P, Durkin K, Baele G. Emergence of the B.1.214.2 SARS-CoV-2 lineage with an Omicron-like spike insertion and a unique upper airway immune signature. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:1139. [PMID: 39390446 PMCID: PMC11468156 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09967-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigate the emergence, mutation profile, and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.214.2, first identified in Belgium in January 2021. This variant, featuring a 3-amino acid insertion in the spike protein similar to the Omicron variant, was speculated to enhance transmissibility or immune evasion. Initially detected in international travelers, it substantially transmitted in Central Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, and France, peaking in April 2021. Our travel-aware phylogeographic analysis, incorporating travel history, estimated the origin to the Republic of the Congo, with primary European entry through France and Belgium, and multiple smaller introductions during the epidemic. We correlate its spread with human travel patterns and air passenger data. Further, upon reviewing national reports of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in Belgian nursing homes, we found this strain caused moderately severe outcomes (8.7% case fatality ratio). A distinct nasopharyngeal immune response was observed in elderly patients, characterized by 80% unique signatures, higher B- and T-cell activation, increased type I IFN signaling, and reduced NK, Th17, and complement system activation, compared to similar outbreaks. This unique immune response may explain the variant's epidemiological behavior and underscores the need for nasal vaccine strategies against emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Holtz
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Johan Van Weyenbergh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Samuel L Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lize Cuypers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Áine O'Toole
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gytis Dudas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barney I Potter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claujens Chastel Mfoutou Mapanguy
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Bert Vanmechelen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tony Wawina-Bokalanga
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Van Holm
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Soraya Maria Menezes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Elke Wollants
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vermeersch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann-Sophie Jacob
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Maes
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
- Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Veerle Matheeussen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Geert Martens
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Delta General Hospital, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Jérémie Gras
- Institut de Pathologie Et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Bruno Verhasselt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Laffut
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carl Vael
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, KLINA General Hospital, Brasschaat, AZ, Belgium
| | | | - Rob van der Kant
- Switch Laboratory, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederic Rousseau
- Switch Laboratory, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Schymkowitz
- Switch Laboratory, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luis Serrano
- Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Delgado
- Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Vincent Bours
- Department of Medical Genetics, CHU Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel André
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc A Suchard
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Rambaut
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Piet Maes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Keith Durkin
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research Institute, Liège, Belgium
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Cella E, Fonseca V, Branda F, Tosta S, Moreno K, Schuab G, Ali S, Slavov SN, Scarpa F, Santos LA, Kashima S, Wilkinson E, Tegally H, Mavian C, Borsetti A, Caccuri F, Salemi M, de Oliveira T, Azarian T, de Filippis AMB, Alcantara LCJ, Ceccarelli G, Caruso A, Colizzi V, Marcello A, Lourenço J, Ciccozzi M, Giovanetti M. Integrated analyses of the transmission history of SARS-CoV-2 and its association with molecular evolution of the virus underlining the pandemic outbreaks in Italy, 2019-2023. Int J Infect Dis 2024:107262. [PMID: 39389289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italy was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing multiple waves of infection following the sequential emergence of new variants. Understanding the transmission patterns and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is vital for future preparedness. METHODS We conducted an analysis of viral genome sequences, integrating epidemiological and phylodynamic approaches, to characterize how SARS-CoV-2 variants have spread within the country. RESULTS Our findings indicate bidirectional international transmission, with Italy transitioning between importing and exporting the virus. Italy experienced four distinct epidemic waves, each associated with a significant reduction in fatalities from 2021 to 2023. These waves were primarily driven by the emergence of VOCs such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron, which were reflected in observed transmission dynamics and effectiveness of public health measures. CONCLUSIONS The changing patterns of viral spread and variant prevalence throughout Italy's pandemic response underscore the continued importance of flexible public health strategies and genomic surveillance, both of which are crucial for tracking the evolution of variants and adapting control measures effectively to ensure preparedness for future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cella
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Vagner Fonseca
- Department of Exact and Earth Sciences, University of the State of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University of Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Stephane Tosta
- Programa Interunidades de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Keldenn Moreno
- Programa Interunidades de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Schuab
- Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sobur Ali
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Svetoslav Nanev Slavov
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Simone Kashima
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Carla Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Global Health Program Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, DC, USA
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center (CNAIDS), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Salemi
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Taj Azarian
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis
- Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Infectious Diseases Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- UNESCO Chair of Interdisciplinary Biotechnology and Bioethics, University of Rome Tor Vergata
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - José Lourenço
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Faculdade de Medicina, Biomedical Research Center, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University of Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Italy; Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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3
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Morobe JM, Kamau E, Luka MM, Murunga N, Lewa C, Mutunga M, Bigogo G, Otieno N, Nyawanda B, Onyango C, Nokes DJ, Agoti CN, Munywoki PK. Spatio-temporal distribution of rhinovirus types in Kenya: a retrospective analysis, 2014. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22298. [PMID: 39333386 PMCID: PMC11436855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73856-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology and circulation patterns of various rhinovirus types within populations remains under-explored. We generated 803 VP4/VP2 gene sequences from rhinovirus-positive samples collected from acute respiratory illness (ARI) patients, including both in-patient and outpatient cases, between 1st January and 31st December 2014 from eleven surveillance sites across Kenya and used phylogenetics to characterise virus introductions and spread. RVs were detected throughout the year, with the highest detection rates observed from January to March and June to July. We detected a total of 114 of the 169 currently classified types. Our analysis revealed numerous virus introductions into Kenya characterized by local expansion and extinction, and extensive spatial mixing of types within the country due to the widespread transmission of the virus after an introduction. This work demonstrates that in a single year, the circulation of rhinovirus in Kenya was characterized by substantial genetic diversity, multiple introductions, and extensive geographical spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mwita Morobe
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Everlyn Kamau
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martha M Luka
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nickson Murunga
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Clement Lewa
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Martin Mutunga
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Nancy Otieno
- KEMRI- Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Clayton Onyango
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Global Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - D James Nokes
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences, Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Charles N Agoti
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Patrick K Munywoki
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Global Health, Nairobi, Kenya
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4
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Holmes EC. The Emergence and Evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Annu Rev Virol 2024; 11:21-42. [PMID: 38631919 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-093022-013037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The origin of SARS-CoV-2 has evoked heated debate and strong accusations, yet seemingly little resolution. I review the scientific evidence on the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent spread through the human population. The available data clearly point to a natural zoonotic emergence within, or closely linked to, the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan. There is no direct evidence linking the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 to laboratory work conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The subsequent global spread of SARS-CoV-2 was characterized by a gradual adaptation to humans, with dual increases in transmissibility and virulence until the emergence of the Omicron variant. Of note has been the frequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to other animals, marking it as a strongly host generalist virus. Unless lessons from the origin of SARS-CoV-2 are learned, it is inevitable that more zoonotic events leading to more epidemics and pandemics will plague human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
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5
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Tapela K, Prah DA, Tetteh B, Nuokpem F, Dosoo D, Coker A, Kumi-Ansah F, Amoako E, Assah KO, Kilba C, Nyakoe N, Quansah D, Languon S, Anyigba CA, Ansah F, Agyeman S, Owusu IA, Schneider K, Ampofo WK, Mutungi JK, Amegatcher G, Aniweh Y, Awandare GA, Quashie PK, Bediako Y. Cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and clinical presentation in individuals exposed to endemic malaria. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114533. [PMID: 39052480 PMCID: PMC11372439 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ghana and other parts of West Africa have experienced lower COVID-19 mortality rates than other regions. This phenomenon has been hypothesized to be associated with previous exposure to infections such as malaria. This study investigated the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the influence of previous malaria exposure. Blood samples were collected from individuals with asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19 (n = 217). A variety of assays were used to characterize the SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response, and malaria exposure was quantified using Plasmodium falciparum ELISA. The study found evidence of attenuated immune responses to COVID-19 among asymptomatic individuals, with elevated proportions of non-classical monocytes and greater memory B cell activation. Symptomatic patients displayed higher P. falciparum-specific T cell recall immune responses, whereas asymptomatic individuals demonstrated elevated P. falciparum antibody levels. Summarily, this study suggests that P. falciparum exposure-associated immune modulation may contribute to reduced severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living in malaria-endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesego Tapela
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Diana Ahu Prah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Becky Tetteh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Franklin Nuokpem
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel Dosoo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Amin Coker
- Accident and Emergency Unit, The Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Emmanuella Amoako
- Department of Pediatrics, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana; Yemaachi Biotech Inc., 222 Swaniker St., Accra, Ghana
| | - Kissi Ohene Assah
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charlyne Kilba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nancy Nyakoe
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Darius Quansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sylvester Languon
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Claudia Adzo Anyigba
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felix Ansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Agyeman
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Yemaachi Biotech Inc., 222 Swaniker St., Accra, Ghana
| | - Irene Amoakoh Owusu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kristan Schneider
- Department of Mathematics, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Mittweida, Germany
| | - William K Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joe Kimanthi Mutungi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gloria Amegatcher
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd., London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter K Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd., London NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Yemaachi Biotech Inc., 222 Swaniker St., Accra, Ghana; The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd., London NW1 1AT, UK.
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6
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Ndione MHD, Diagne MM, Mencattelli G, Diallo A, Ndiaye EH, Di Domenico M, Diallo D, Kane M, Curini V, Top NM, Marcacci M, Sankhe S, Ancora M, Secondini B, Di Lollo V, Teodori L, Leone A, Puglia I, Gaye A, Sall AA, Loucoubar C, Rosà R, Diallo M, Monaco F, Faye O, Cammà C, Rizzoli A, Savini G, Faye O. An amplicon-based sequencing approach for Usutu virus characterization. Virol J 2024; 21:163. [PMID: 39044231 PMCID: PMC11267690 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02426-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV), an arbovirus from the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus, has recently gained increasing attention because of its potential for emergence. After his discovery in South Africa, USUV spread to other African countries, then emerged in Europe where it was responsible for epizootics. The virus has recently been found in Asia. USUV infection in humans is considered to be most often asymptomatic or to cause mild clinical signs. However, a few cases of neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningo-encephalitis have been reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. USUV natural life cycle involves Culex mosquitoes as its main vector, and multiple bird species as natural viral reservoirs or amplifying hosts, humans and horses can be incidental hosts. Phylogenetic studies carried out showed eight lineages, showing an increasing genetic diversity for USUV. This work describes the development and validation of a novel whole-genome amplicon-based sequencing approach to Usutu virus. This study was carried out on different strains from Senegal and Italy. The new approach showed good coverage using samples derived from several vertebrate hosts and may be valuable for Usutu virus genomic surveillance to better understand the dynamics of evolution and transmission of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Mencattelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
| | - Amadou Diallo
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - El Hadji Ndiaye
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Diawo Diallo
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Mouhamed Kane
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Valentina Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Ndeye Marieme Top
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Maurilia Marcacci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Safiétou Sankhe
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Massimo Ancora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Barbara Secondini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Lollo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Liana Teodori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Leone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Puglia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Alioune Gaye
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Loucoubar
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Oumar Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
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7
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Ramphal Y, Tegally H, San JE, Reichmuth ML, Hofstra M, Wilkinson E, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, Moir M. Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa. Pathogens 2024; 13:605. [PMID: 39057831 PMCID: PMC11279734 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) poses a significant global public health concern, especially in Africa. Since its first isolation in Tanzania in 1953, CHIKV has caused recurrent outbreaks, challenging healthcare systems in low-resource settings. Recent outbreaks in Africa highlight the dynamic nature of CHIKV transmission and the challenges of underreporting and underdiagnosis. Here, we review the literature and analyse publicly available cases, outbreaks, and genomic data, providing insights into the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and transmission dynamics of CHIKV in Africa. Our analyses reveal the circulation of geographically distinct CHIKV genotypes, with certain regions experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease. Phylogenetic analysis of sporadic outbreaks in West Africa suggests repeated emergence of the virus through enzootic spillover, which is markedly different from inferred transmission dynamics in East Africa, where the virus is often introduced from Asian outbreaks, including the recent reintroduction of the Indian Ocean lineage from the Indian subcontinent to East Africa. Furthermore, there is limited evidence of viral movement between these two regions. Understanding the history and transmission dynamics of outbreaks is crucial for effective public health planning. Despite advances in surveillance and research, diagnostic and surveillance challenges persist. This review and secondary analysis highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance, research, and collaboration to mitigate the burden of CHIKV in Africa and improve public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajna Ramphal
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
| | | | | | - Marije Hofstra
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
| | | | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Monika Moir
- Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.R.); (H.T.); (M.H.); (E.W.); (C.B.)
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8
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Tramuto F, Marotta C, Stefanelli P, Cernigliaro A, Maida CM, Silenzi A, Angeloni U, Di Naro D, Randazzo G, Guzzetta V, Barone T, Brusaferro S, Severoni S, Rezza G, Vitale F, Mazzucco W. SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance of migrants arriving to Europe through the Mediterranean routes. J Glob Health 2024; 14:05017. [PMID: 38963881 PMCID: PMC11223754 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.05017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The implementation genomic-based surveillance on emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in low-income countries, which have inadequate molecular and sequencing capabilities and limited vaccine storage, represents a challenge for public health. To date, there is little evidence on molecular investigations of SARS-CoV-2 variants in areas where they might emerge. We report the findings of an experimental SARS-CoV-2 molecular surveillance programme for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers arriving to Europe via Italy through the Mediterranean Sea. Methods We descriptively analysed data on migrants collected at entry points in Sicily from February 2021 to May 2022. These entry points are integrated with a network of laboratories fully equipped for molecular analyses, which performed next-generation sequencing and used Nextclade and the Pangolin coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tools for clade/lineage assignment. Results We obtained 472 full-length SARS-CoV-2 sequences and identified 12 unique clades belonging to 31 different lineages. The delta variant accounted for 43.6% of all genomes, followed by clades 21D (Eta) and 20A (25.4% and 11.4%, respectively). Notably, some of the identified lineages (A.23.1, A.27, and A.29) predicted their introduction into the migration area. The mutation analysis allowed us to identify 617 different amino acid substitutions, 156 amino acid deletions, 7 stop codons, and 6 amino acid insertions. Lastly, we highlighted the geographical distribution patterns of some mutational profiles occurring in the migrants' countries of origin. Conclusions Genome-based molecular surveillance dedicated to migrant populations from low-resource areas may be useful for forecasting new epidemiological scenarios related to SARS-CoV-2 variants or other emerging pathogens, as well as for informing the updating of vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Tramuto
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties ‘G. D’Alessandro’, University of Palermo, Italy
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Marotta
- General Directorate of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Stefanelli
- National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Massimo Maida
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties ‘G. D’Alessandro’, University of Palermo, Italy
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Silenzi
- General Directorate of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Ulrico Angeloni
- General Directorate of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Naro
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Randazzo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Guzzetta
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Barone
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Local Health Unit of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvio Brusaferro
- National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy
- University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Santino Severoni
- Health and Migration Programme (PHM), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gianni Rezza
- General Directorate of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
- Vita – Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties ‘G. D’Alessandro’, University of Palermo, Italy
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Mazzucco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties ‘G. D’Alessandro’, University of Palermo, Italy
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - SAMI-Surv CollaborationAlbaDavideAmodioEmanueleCasuccioAlessandraCostantinoClaudioFruscioneSantoImmordinoPalmiraRestivoVincenzoSavatteriAlessandraD’AgostinoNadiaLa MiliaDanielePecoraroLauraPulvirentiClaudioStabileDomenicoCesariCarloZichichiSalvatoreLo PrestiAlessandraGrazianoGiorgioScondottoSalvatoreRealeStefanoScibettaSilviaVitaleFabrizioBarracoChiaraMistrettaGiuseppaPalmeriGiuliaRizzoAntonina PatriziaSparacoAntoninoAgnoneAnnalisaCascioFrancescoDi QuartoDaniela LauraMigliorisiCarmeloD’AmatoStefaniaCucchiaraValentinaGenoveseDarioFrisciaGiuseppeIacolinoGiorgiaSpotoVittorioZappiaMario
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties ‘G. D’Alessandro’, University of Palermo, Italy
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit and Regional Reference Laboratory of Western Sicily for the Emergence of COVID-19, University Hospital ‘P. Giaccone’, Palermo, Italy
- General Directorate of Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
- National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy
- Regional Health Authority of Sicily, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Local Health Unit of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Health and Migration Programme (PHM), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Vita – Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
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9
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Sitharam N, Tegally H, Silva DDC, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, Xavier JS. SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Epidemiology Dashboards: A Review of Functionality and Technological Frameworks for the Public Health Response. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:876. [PMID: 39062655 PMCID: PMC11275337 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number and types of dashboards produced increased to convey complex information using digestible visualizations. The pandemic saw a notable increase in genomic surveillance data, which genomic epidemiology dashboards presented in an easily interpretable manner. These dashboards have the potential to increase the transparency between the scientists producing pathogen genomic data and policymakers, public health stakeholders, and the public. This scoping review discusses the data presented, functional and visual features, and the computational architecture of six publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology dashboards. We found three main types of genomic epidemiology dashboards: phylogenetic, genomic surveillance, and mutational. We found that data were sourced from different databases, such as GISAID, GenBank, and specific country databases, and these dashboards were produced for specific geographic locations. The key performance indicators and visualization used were specific to the type of genomic epidemiology dashboard. The computational architecture of the dashboards was created according to the needs of the end user. The genomic surveillance of pathogens is set to become a more common tool used to track ongoing and future outbreaks, and genomic epidemiology dashboards are powerful and adaptable resources that can be used in the public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sitharam
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (N.S.)
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (N.S.)
| | - Danilo de Castro Silva
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (N.S.)
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (N.S.)
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (N.S.)
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Joicymara S. Xavier
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (N.S.)
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí 38610-000, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
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10
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Motsoeneng BM, Bhiman JN, Richardson SI, Moore PL. SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity in people living with HIV-1. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:511-522. [PMID: 38890026 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The effect of COVID-19 on the high number of immunocompromised people living with HIV-1 (PLWH), particularly in Africa, remains a critical concern. Here, we identify key areas that still require further investigation, by examining COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, and understanding antibody responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in comparison with people without HIV-1 (PWOH). We also assess the potential impact of pre-existing immunity against endemic human coronaviruses on SARS-CoV-2 responses in these individuals. Lastly, we discuss the consequences of persistent infection in PLWH (or other immunocompromised individuals), including prolonged shedding, increased viral diversity within the host, and the implications on SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo M Motsoeneng
- South African Medical Research Council Antibody Immunity Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; HIV Virology Section, Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jinal N Bhiman
- South African Medical Research Council Antibody Immunity Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; HIV Virology Section, Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Simone I Richardson
- South African Medical Research Council Antibody Immunity Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; HIV Virology Section, Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Penny L Moore
- South African Medical Research Council Antibody Immunity Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; HIV Virology Section, Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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11
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Nguinkal JA, Zoclanclounon YAB, Molina A, Roba A, Nyakio NM, Lokamar PN, Nzoyikorera N, Ihorimbere T, Nyandwi J, Aguer MA, Maror JA, Lokore ML, Francis MF, Mapunda LA, Beyanga M, Muyigi T, Pimundu G, Nabadda SN, Kabalisa E, Umuringa JD, Tare IM, Lagu HI, Achol E, May J, Affara M, Gehre F. Assessment of the pathogen genomics landscape highlights disparities and challenges for effective AMR Surveillance and outbreak response in the East African community. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1500. [PMID: 38840103 PMCID: PMC11151545 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The East African Community (EAC) grapples with many challenges in tackling infectious disease threats and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underscoring the importance of regional and robust pathogen genomics capacities. However, a significant disparity exists among EAC Partner States in harnessing bacterial pathogen sequencing and data analysis capabilities for effective AMR surveillance and outbreak response. This study assesses the current landscape and challenges associated with pathogen next-generation sequencing (NGS) within EAC, explicitly focusing on World Health Organization (WHO) AMR-priority pathogens. The assessment adopts a comprehensive approach, integrating a questionnaire-based survey amongst National Public Health Laboratories (NPHLs) with an analysis of publicly available metadata on bacterial pathogens isolated in the EAC countries. In addition to the heavy reliance on third-party organizations for bacterial NGS, the findings reveal a significant disparity among EAC member States in leveraging bacterial pathogen sequencing and data analysis. Approximately 97% (n = 4,462) of publicly available high-quality bacterial genome assemblies of samples collected in the EAC were processed and analyzed by external organizations, mainly in Europe and North America. Tanzania led in-country sequencing efforts, followed by Kenya and Uganda. The other EAC countries had no publicly available samples or had all their samples sequenced and analyzed outside the region. Insufficient local NGS sequencing facilities, limited bioinformatics expertise, lack of adequate computing resources, and inadequate data-sharing mechanisms are among the most pressing challenges that hinder the EAC's NPHLs from effectively leveraging pathogen genomics data. These insights emphasized the need to strengthen microbial pathogen sequencing and data analysis capabilities within the EAC to empower these laboratories to conduct pathogen sequencing and data analysis independently. Substantial investments in equipment, technology, and capacity-building initiatives are crucial for supporting regional preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks and mitigating the impact of AMR burden. In addition, collaborative efforts should be developed to narrow the gap, remedy regional imbalances, and harmonize NGS data standards. Supporting regional collaboration, strengthening in-country genomics capabilities, and investing in long-term training programs will ultimately improve pathogen data generation and foster a robust NGS-driven AMR surveillance and outbreak response in the EAC, thereby supporting global health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien A Nguinkal
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - Andrea Molina
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Animal Science School, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Abdi Roba
- Department of Disease Surveillance and Epidemic Response, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ndia M Nyakio
- Department of Disease Surveillance and Epidemic Response, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter N Lokamar
- Department of Disease Surveillance and Epidemic Response, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Néhémie Nzoyikorera
- National Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Théogène Ihorimbere
- National Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Joseph Nyandwi
- National Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Mamdouh A Aguer
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | - James A Maror
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | - Michael Lasuba Lokore
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | | | - Lawrence A Mapunda
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salam, Tanzania
| | - Medard Beyanga
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salam, Tanzania
| | - Tonny Muyigi
- Central Public Health Laboratories, National Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Pimundu
- Central Public Health Laboratories, National Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan N Nabadda
- Central Public Health Laboratories, National Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Kabalisa
- Biomedical Services Department, Biomedical Centre Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Hakim I Lagu
- Health Department, East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Achol
- Health Department, East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Jürgen May
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Muna Affara
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Gehre
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Mtetwa D, Manjengwa T, Chikwambi Z. Genetic diversity and spread dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants present in African populations. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231326. [PMID: 39100175 PMCID: PMC11295913 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The dynamics of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been extensively researched in many settings around the world, but little is known about these patterns in Africa. A total of 7540 complete nucleotide genomes from 51 African nations were obtained and analysed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information and Global Initiative on Sharing Influenza Data databases to examine the genetic diversity and spread dynamics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages circulating in Africa. Using various clade and lineage nomenclature schemes, we examined their diversity and used maximum parsimony inference methods to reconstruct the evolutionary hypotheses about the spread of the virus in Africa. According to this study, only 465 of the 2610 Pango lineages found to have existed in the world circulated in Africa three years after the COVID-19 pandemic, with five different lineages dominating at various points during the outbreak. We identified South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria as key sources of viral transmission among sub-Saharan African nations. These findings provide insights into the viral strains that circulate in Africa and their evolutionary patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desire Mtetwa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Health Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Tafadzwa Manjengwa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Health Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Zedias Chikwambi
- African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, 911 Chiedza Park, Boronia, Harare, Zimbabwe
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13
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Xue S, Han Y, Wu F, Wang Q. Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain and their delicate balance between ACE2 affinity and antibody evasion. Protein Cell 2024; 15:403-418. [PMID: 38442025 PMCID: PMC11131022 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Intensive selection pressure constrains the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 genomes and results in various novel variants with distinct mutation profiles. Point mutations, particularly those within the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, lead to the functional alteration in both receptor engagement and monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognition. Here, we review the data of the RBD point mutations possessed by major SARS-CoV-2 variants and discuss their individual effects on ACE2 affinity and immune evasion. Many single amino acid substitutions within RBD epitopes crucial for the antibody evasion capacity may conversely weaken ACE2 binding affinity. However, this weakened effect could be largely compensated by specific epistatic mutations, such as N501Y, thus maintaining the overall ACE2 affinity for the spike protein of all major variants. The predominant direction of SARS-CoV-2 evolution lies neither in promoting ACE2 affinity nor evading mAb neutralization but in maintaining a delicate balance between these two dimensions. Together, this review interprets how RBD mutations efficiently resist antibody neutralization and meanwhile how the affinity between ACE2 and spike protein is maintained, emphasizing the significance of comprehensive assessment of spike mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xue
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuru Han
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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14
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El Mazouri S, Essabbar A, Aanniz T, Eljaoudi R, Belyamani L, Ibrahimi A, Ouadghiri M. Genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Morocco. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:241-252. [PMID: 37635364 PMCID: PMC11221468 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2250942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the numerous variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that have been reported worldwide, the emergence of the Omicron variant has drastically changed the landscape of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of Moroccan SARS-CoV-2 genomes with a focus on Omicron variant after one year of its detection in Morocco in order to understand its genomic dynamics, features and its potential introduction sources. From 937 Omicron genomes, we identified a total of 999 non-unique mutations distributed across 92 Omicron lineages, of which 13 were specific to the country. Our findings suggest multiple introductory sources of the Omicron variant to Morocco. In addition, we found that four Omicron clades are more infectious in comparison to other Omicron clades. Remarkably, a clade of Omicron is particularly more transmissible and has become the dominant variant worldwide. Moreover, our assessment of Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) mutations showed that the Spike K444T and N460K mutations enabled a clade higher ability of immune vaccine escape. In conclusion, our analysis highlights the unique genetic diversity of the Omicron variant in Moroccan SARS-CoV-2 genomes, with multiple introductory sources and the emergence of highly transmissible clades. The distinctiveness of the Moroccan strains compared to global ones underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and understanding of local genomic dynamics for effective response strategies in the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safae El Mazouri
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdelmounim Essabbar
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Tarik Aanniz
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Rachid Eljaoudi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Lahcen Belyamani
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
- Emergency Department, Military Hospital Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mouna Ouadghiri
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
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15
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Ope M, Musyoka R, Kiogora J, Wambugu J, Hunsperger E, Emukule GO, Munyua P, Juma B, Simiyu E, Gagnidze L, Burton J, Eidex RB. Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Kakuma Refugee Camp Complex, Kenya, 2020-2021 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:900-907. [PMID: 38666563 PMCID: PMC11060438 DOI: 10.3201/eid3005.231042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection in populations at increased risk for poor health is critical to reducing disease. We describe the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Kakuma Refugee Camp Complex, Kenya. We performed descriptive analyses of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the camp and surrounding community during March 16, 2020‒December 31, 2021. We identified cases in accordance with national guidelines.We estimated fatality ratios and attack rates over time using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing for refugees, host community members, and national population. Of the 18,864 SARS-CoV-2 tests performed, 1,024 were positive, collected from 664 refugees and 360 host community members. Attack rates were 325.0/100,000 population (CFR 2.9%) for refugees,150.2/100,000 population (CFR 1.11%) for community, and 628.8/100,000 population (CFR 1.83%) nationwide. During 2020-2021, refugees experienced a lower attack rate but higher CFR than the national population, underscoring the need to prioritize SARS-CoV-2 mitigation measures, including vaccination.
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16
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Dall’Amico L, Kleynhans J, Gauvin L, Tizzoni M, Ozella L, Makhasi M, Wolter N, Language B, Wagner RG, Cohen C, Tempia S, Cattuto C. Estimating household contact matrices structure from easily collectable metadata. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296810. [PMID: 38483886 PMCID: PMC10939291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Contact matrices are a commonly adopted data representation, used to develop compartmental models for epidemic spreading, accounting for the contact heterogeneities across age groups. Their estimation, however, is generally time and effort consuming and model-driven strategies to quantify the contacts are often needed. In this article we focus on household contact matrices, describing the contacts among the members of a family and develop a parametric model to describe them. This model combines demographic and easily quantifiable survey-based data and is tested on high resolution proximity data collected in two sites in South Africa. Given its simplicity and interpretability, we expect our method to be easily applied to other contexts as well and we identify relevant questions that need to be addressed during the data collection procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jackie Kleynhans
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laetitia Gauvin
- ISI Foundation, Turin, Italy
- Institute for Research on sustainable Development, UMR215 PRODIG, Aubervilliers, France
| | - Michele Tizzoni
- ISI Foundation, Turin, Italy
- Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Mvuyo Makhasi
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicole Wolter
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brigitte Language
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management, Climatology Research Group, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Ryan G. Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), Agincourt, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefano Tempia
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ciro Cattuto
- ISI Foundation, Turin, Italy
- Department of Informatics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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17
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Sow MS, Togo J, Simons LM, Diallo ST, Magassouba ML, Keita MB, Somboro AM, Coulibaly Y, Ozer EA, Hultquist JF, Murphy RL, Maiga AI, Maiga M, Lorenzo-Redondo R. Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Guinea, West Africa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299082. [PMID: 38446806 PMCID: PMC10917296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has claimed several million lives since its emergence in late 2019. The ongoing evolution of the virus has resulted in the periodic emergence of new viral variants with distinct fitness advantages, including enhanced transmission and immune escape. While several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern trace their origins back to the African continent-including Beta, Eta, and Omicron-most countries in Africa remain under-sampled in global genomic surveillance efforts. In an effort to begin filling these knowledge gaps, we conducted retrospective viral genomic surveillance in Guinea from October 2020 to August 2021. We found that SARS-CoV-2 clades 20A, 20B, and 20C dominated throughout 2020 until the coincident emergence of the Alpha and Eta variants of concern in January 2021. The Alpha variant remained dominant throughout early 2021 until the arrival of the Delta variant in July. Surprisingly, despite the small sample size of our study, we also found the persistence of the early SARS-CoV-2 clade 19B as late as April 2021. Together, these data help fill in our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 population dynamics in West Africa early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamadou Saliou Sow
- Service de Maladie Infectieuse du Centre Hospitalier de Donka, Conakry, Guinée
| | - Josue Togo
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
- Département de Biologie médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Toure, Bamako, Mali
| | - Lacy M. Simons
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | | | | | - Mamadou Bhoye Keita
- Département de laboratoire, Institut National de la Santé Publique, Conakry, Guinée
- Département de biologie, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry, Conakry, Guinée
| | - Anou Moise Somboro
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Youssouf Coulibaly
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Egon A. Ozer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Robert Leo Murphy
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
- Département de Biologie médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Toure, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mamoudou Maiga
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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18
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Álvarez-Herrera M, Sevilla J, Ruiz-Rodriguez P, Vergara A, Vila J, Cano-Jiménez P, González-Candelas F, Comas I, Coscollá M. VIPERA: Viral Intra-Patient Evolution Reporting and Analysis. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae018. [PMID: 38510921 PMCID: PMC10953798 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral mutations within patients nurture the adaptive potential of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during chronic infections, which are a potential source of variants of concern. However, there is no integrated framework for the evolutionary analysis of intra-patient SARS-CoV-2 serial samples. Herein, we describe Viral Intra-Patient Evolution Reporting and Analysis (VIPERA), a new software that integrates the evaluation of the intra-patient ancestry of SARS-CoV-2 sequences with the analysis of evolutionary trajectories of serial sequences from the same viral infection. We have validated it using positive and negative control datasets and have successfully applied it to a new case, which revealed population dynamics and evidence of adaptive evolution. VIPERA is available under a free software license at https://github.com/PathoGenOmics-Lab/VIPERA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Álvarez-Herrera
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, University of Valencia—CSIC), FISABIO Joint Research Unit ‘Infection and Public Health’, C/Agustín Escardino, 9, Paterna 46980, Spain
| | - Jordi Sevilla
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, University of Valencia—CSIC), FISABIO Joint Research Unit ‘Infection and Public Health’, C/Agustín Escardino, 9, Paterna 46980, Spain
| | - Paula Ruiz-Rodriguez
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, University of Valencia—CSIC), FISABIO Joint Research Unit ‘Infection and Public Health’, C/Agustín Escardino, 9, Paterna 46980, Spain
| | - Andrea Vergara
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, CDB, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona; University of Barcelona; ISGlobal, C. de Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08007, Spain
- CIBER of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Jordi Vila
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, CDB, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona; University of Barcelona; ISGlobal, C. de Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08007, Spain
- CIBER of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Pablo Cano-Jiménez
- Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), C/ Jaime Roig, 11, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, University of Valencia—CSIC), FISABIO Joint Research Unit ‘Infection and Public Health’, C/Agustín Escardino, 9, Paterna 46980, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Iñaki Comas
- Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), C/ Jaime Roig, 11, Valencia 46010, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mireia Coscollá
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, University of Valencia—CSIC), FISABIO Joint Research Unit ‘Infection and Public Health’, C/Agustín Escardino, 9, Paterna 46980, Spain
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19
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Gräf T, Martinez AA, Bello G, Dellicour S, Lemey P, Colizza V, Mazzoli M, Poletto C, Cardoso VLO, da Silva AF, Motta FC, Resende PC, Siqueira MM, Franco L, Gresh L, Gabastou JM, Rodriguez A, Vicari A, Aldighieri S, Mendez-Rico J, Leite JA. Dispersion patterns of SARS-CoV-2 variants Gamma, Lambda and Mu in Latin America and the Caribbean. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1837. [PMID: 38418815 PMCID: PMC10902334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions were an important epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Through the COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Regional Network (COVIGEN), LAC countries produced an important number of genomic sequencing data that made possible an enhanced SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance capacity in the Americas, paving the way for characterization of emerging variants and helping to guide the public health response. In this study we analyzed approximately 300,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences generated between February 2020 and March 2022 by multiple genomic surveillance efforts in LAC and reconstructed the diffusion patterns of the main variants of concern (VOCs) and of interest (VOIs) possibly originated in the Region. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the spread of variants Gamma, Lambda and Mu reflects human mobility patterns due to variations of international air passenger transportation and gradual lifting of social distance measures previously implemented in countries. Our results highlight the potential of genetic data to reconstruct viral spread and unveil preferential routes of viral migrations that are shaped by human mobility patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Gräf
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Alexander A Martinez
- Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- National Research System (SNI), National Secretary of Research, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT), Panama City, Panama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP160/12, 50 av. FD Roosevelt, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vittoria Colizza
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Paris, France
| | - Mattia Mazzoli
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Paris, France
| | - Chiara Poletto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Leiko Oikawa Cardoso
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Infecciosas Transmitidas por Vetores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, FIOCRUZ-Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Couto Motta
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda M Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leticia Franco
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Lionel Gresh
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Jean-Marc Gabastou
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Angel Rodriguez
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Andrea Vicari
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Sylvain Aldighieri
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Jairo Mendez-Rico
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Juliana Almeida Leite
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA.
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20
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Ciubotariu II, Wilkes RP, Kattoor JJ, Christian EN, Carpi G, Kitchen A. Investigating the rise of Omicron variant through genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a highly vaccinated university population. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001194. [PMID: 38334271 PMCID: PMC10926704 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to emerge as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic extends into its fourth year. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 circulation in university populations is vital for effective interventions in higher education settings and will inform public health policy during pandemics. In this study, we generated 793 whole-genome sequences collected over an entire academic year in a university population in Indiana, USA. We clearly captured the rapidity with which Delta variant was wholly replaced by Omicron variant across the West Lafayette campus over the length of two academic semesters in a community with high vaccination rates. This mirrored the emergence of Omicron throughout the state of Indiana and the USA. Further, phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that there was a more diverse set of potential geographic origins for Omicron viruses introduction into campus when compared to Delta. Lastly, statistics indicated that there was a more significant role for international and out-of-state migration in the establishment of Omicron variants at Purdue. This surveillance workflow, coupled with viral genomic sequencing and phylogeographic analyses, provided critical insights into SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and variant arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Rebecca P. Wilkes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Jobin J. Kattoor
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Erin N. Christian
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Andrew Kitchen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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21
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Chen Z, Lemey P, Yu H. Approaches and challenges to inferring the geographical source of infectious disease outbreaks using genomic data. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e81-e92. [PMID: 38042165 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Genomic data hold increasing potential in the elucidation of transmission dynamics and geographical sources of infectious disease outbreaks. Phylogeographic methods that use epidemiological and genomic data obtained from surveillance enable us to infer the history of spatial transmission that is naturally embedded in the topology of phylogenetic trees as a record of the dispersal of infectious agents between geographical locations. In this Review, we provide an overview of phylogeographic approaches widely used for reconstructing the geographical sources of outbreaks of interest. These approaches can be classified into ancestral trait or state reconstruction and structured population models, with structured population models including popular structured coalescent and birth-death models. We also describe the major challenges associated with sequencing technologies, surveillance strategies, data sharing, and analysis frameworks that became apparent during the generation of large-scale genomic data in recent years, extending beyond inference approaches. Finally, we highlight the role of genomic data in geographical source inference and clarify how this enhances understanding and molecular investigations of outbreak sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Chen
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Clinical and Evolutionary Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hongjie Yu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Tang CY, Li T, Haynes TA, McElroy JA, Ritter D, Hammer RD, Sampson C, Webby R, Hang J, Wan XF. Rural populations facilitated early SARS-CoV-2 evolution and transmission in Missouri, USA. NPJ VIRUSES 2023; 1:7. [PMID: 38186942 PMCID: PMC10769004 DOI: 10.1038/s44298-023-00005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In the United States, rural populations comprise 60 million individuals and suffered from high COVID-19 disease burdens. Despite this, surveillance efforts are biased toward urban centers. Consequently, how rurally circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses contribute toward emerging variants remains poorly understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of rural communities in the evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the early pandemic. We collected 544 urban and 435 rural COVID-19-positive respiratory specimens from an overall vaccine-naïve population in Southwest Missouri between July and December 2020. Genomic analyses revealed 53 SARS-CoV-2 Pango lineages in our study samples, with 14 of these lineages identified only in rural samples. Phylodynamic analyses showed that frequent bi-directional diffusions occurred between rural and urban communities in Southwest Missouri, and that four out of seven Missouri rural-origin lineages spread globally. Further analyses revealed that the nucleocapsid protein (N):R203K/G204R paired substitutions, which were detected disproportionately across multiple Pango lineages, were more associated with urban than rural sequences. Positive selection was detected at N:204 among rural samples but was not evident in urban samples, suggesting that viruses may encounter distinct selection pressures in rural versus urban communities. This study demonstrates that rural communities may be a crucial source of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and transmission, highlighting the need to expand surveillance and resources to rural populations for COVID-19 mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Y. Tang
- Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Cynthia Y. Tang, Tao Li
| | - Tao Li
- Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Cynthia Y. Tang, Tao Li
| | - Tricia A. Haynes
- Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jane A. McElroy
- Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouriś, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Detlef Ritter
- Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Richard D. Hammer
- Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Richard Webby
- Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jun Hang
- Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Xiu-Feng Wan
- Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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23
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Yang CR, Chang SY, Gong YN, Huang CG, Tung TH, Liu W, Chan TC, Hung KS, Shang HS, Tsai JJ, Kao CL, Wu HL, Daisy Liu LY, Lin WY, Fan YC, King CC, Ku CC. The emergence and successful elimination of SARS-CoV-2 dominant strains with increasing epidemic potential in Taiwan's 2021 outbreak. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22436. [PMID: 38107297 PMCID: PMC10724543 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Taiwan's experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2003 guided its development of strategies to defend against SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, which enabled the successful control of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases from 2020 through March 2021. However, in late-April 2021, the imported Alpha variant began to cause COVID-19 outbreaks at an exceptional rate in Taiwan. In this study, we aimed to determine what epidemiological conditions enabled the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant strains to become dominant and decline later during a surge in the outbreak. In conjunction with contact-tracing investigations, we used our bioinformatics software, CoVConvert and IniCoV, to analyze whole-genome sequences of 101 Taiwan Alpha strains. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses revealed the epidemiological factors associated with viral dominance. Univariate analysis showed the dominant Alpha strains were preferentially selected in the surge's epicenter (p = 0.0024) through intensive human-to-human contact and maintained their dominance for 1.5 months until the Zero-COVID Policy was implemented. Multivariable regression found that the epidemic periods (p = 0.007) and epicenter (p = 0.001) were two significant factors associated with the dominant virus strains spread in the community. These dominant virus strains emerged at the outbreak's epicenter with frequent human-to-human contact and low vaccination coverage. The Level 3 Restrictions and Zero-COVID policy successfully controlled the outbreak in the community without city lockdowns. Our integrated method can identify the epidemiological conditions for emerging dominant virus with increasing epidemiological potential and support decision makers in rapidly containing outbreaks using public health measures that target fast-spreading virus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Rur Yang
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department (Dept.) of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Nong Gong
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, ROC
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chung-Guei Huang
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, ROC
- Dept. of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsung-Hua Tung
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, NTU 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, ROC
- Dept. of Health, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, NTU 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ta-Chien Chan
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuo-Sheng Hung
- Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-Sheng Shang
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Dept. of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jih-Jin Tsai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan, ROC
- Tropical Medicine Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chuan-Liang Kao
- Department (Dept.) of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, NTU 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Lin Wu
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Li-Yu Daisy Liu
- Division of Biometry, Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Yu Lin
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, NTU 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Chin Fan
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, NTU 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chwan-Chuen King
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, NTU 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Chi Ku
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan, ROC
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Grieve R, Yang Y, Abbott S, Babu GR, Bhattacharyya M, Dean N, Evans S, Jewell N, Langan SM, Lee W, Molenberghs G, Smeeth L, Williamson E, Mukherjee B. The importance of investing in data, models, experiments, team science, and public trust to help policymakers prepare for the next pandemic. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002601. [PMID: 38032861 PMCID: PMC10688710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about valuable insights regarding models, data, and experiments. In this narrative review, we summarised the existing literature on these three themes, exploring the challenges of providing forecasts, the requirement for real-time linkage of health-related datasets, and the role of 'experimentation' in evaluating interventions. This literature review encourages us to broaden our perspective for the future, acknowledging the significance of investing in models, data, and experimentation, but also to invest in areas that are conceptually more abstract: the value of 'team science', the need for public trust in science, and in establishing processes for using science in policy. Policy-makers rely on model forecasts early in a pandemic when there is little data, and it is vital to communicate the assumptions, limitations, and uncertainties (theme 1). Linked routine data can provide critical information, for example, in establishing risk factors for adverse outcomes but are often not available quickly enough to make a real-time impact. The interoperability of data resources internationally is required to facilitate sharing across jurisdictions (theme 2). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provided timely evidence on the efficacy and safety of vaccinations and pharmaceuticals but were largely conducted in higher income countries, restricting generalisability to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Trials for non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were almost non-existent which was a missed opportunity (theme 3). Building on these themes from the narrative review, we underscore the importance of three other areas that need investment for effective evidence-driven policy-making. The COVID-19 response relied on strong multidisciplinary research infrastructures, but funders and academic institutions need to do more to incentivise team science (4). To enhance public trust in the use of scientific evidence for policy, researchers and policy-makers must work together to clearly communicate uncertainties in current evidence and any need to change policy as evidence evolves (5). Timely policy decisions require an established two-way process between scientists and policy makers to make the best use of evidence (6). For effective preparedness against future pandemics, it is essential to establish models, data, and experiments as fundamental pillars, complemented by efforts in planning and investment towards team science, public trust, and evidence-based policy-making across international communities. The paper concludes with a 'call to actions' for both policy-makers and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Grieve
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Youqi Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sam Abbott
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giridhara R. Babu
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Natalie Dean
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen Evans
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Jewell
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sinéad M. Langan
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Woojoo Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Universiteit Hasselt & KU Leuven, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Williamson
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health (DASH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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25
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Vickos U, Camasta M, Grandi N, Scognamiglio S, Schindler T, Belizaire MRD, Lango-Yaya E, Koyaweda GW, Senzongo O, Pounguinza S, Estimé KKJF, N’yetobouko S, Gadia CLB, Feiganazoui DA, Le Faou A, Orsini M, Perno CF, Zinzula L, Rafaï CD. COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance in Bangui (Central African Republic) Reveals a Landscape of Circulating Variants Linked to Validated Antiviral Targets of SARS-CoV-2 Proteome. Viruses 2023; 15:2309. [PMID: 38140550 PMCID: PMC10748234 DOI: 10.3390/v15122309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its outbreak, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread rapidly, causing the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Even with the vaccines' administration, the virus continued to circulate due to inequal access to prevention and therapeutic measures in African countries. Information about COVID-19 in Africa has been limited and contradictory, and thus regional studies are important. On this premise, we conducted a genomic surveillance study about COVID-19 lineages circulating in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR). We collected 2687 nasopharyngeal samples at four checkpoints in Bangui from 2 to 22 July 2021. Fifty-three samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and viral genomes were sequenced to look for the presence of different viral strains. We performed phylogenetic analysis and described the lineage landscape of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the CAR along 15 months of pandemics and in Africa during the study period, finding the Delta variant as the predominant Variant of Concern (VoC). The deduced aminoacidic sequences of structural and non-structural genes were determined and compared to reference and reported isolates from Africa. Despite the limited number of positive samples obtained, this study provides valuable information about COVID-19 evolution at the regional level and allows for a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Vickos
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, UOC Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00118 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Sino-Central African Amitié Hospital, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic
| | - Marianna Camasta
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.)
- Department of Structural Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany;
| | - Nicole Grandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Sante Scognamiglio
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Tobias Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland;
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ernest Lango-Yaya
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Giscard Wilfried Koyaweda
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Oscar Senzongo
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Simon Pounguinza
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Kaleb Kandou Jephté Francis Estimé
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Stephanie N’yetobouko
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Christelle Luce Bobossi Gadia
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Dominos-Alfred Feiganazoui
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
| | - Alain Le Faou
- EA 3452 CITHEFOR, Campus Brabois Santé, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France;
- Faculty of Medicine, Maieutic and Health Sciences, University of Lorraine, Pole Brabois Santé, 54500 Nancy, France
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- General and Experimental Microbiology, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Genomics of Microorganisms, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, UOC Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00118 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luca Zinzula
- Department of Structural Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany;
| | - Clotaire Donatien Rafaï
- Clinical Biology and Public Health National Laboratory, Bangui 94045, Central African Republic; (E.L.-Y.); (G.W.K.); (O.S.); (S.P.); (K.K.J.F.E.); (S.N.); (C.L.B.G.); (D.-A.F.); (C.D.R.)
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26
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Ndiaye AJS, Beye M, Sow A, Lo G, Padane A, Sokhna C, Kane CT, Colson P, Fenollar F, Mboup S, Fournier PE. COVID-19 in 16 West African Countries: An Assessment of the Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 after Four Epidemic Waves. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:861-873. [PMID: 37640294 PMCID: PMC10551082 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
West Africa faced the COVID-19 pandemic in early March 2020 and, as of March 31, 2022, had more than 900,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths. During this period, SARS-CoV-2 genomes evolved genetically, resulting in the emergence of distinct lineages. This review was conducted to provide the epidemiological profile of COVID-19, the mutational profile of SARS-CoV-2, and the dynamics of its lineages in the 16 west African countries by analyzing data from 33 studies and seven situation reports. For a more complete representation of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, we used reliable public data in addition to eligible studies. As of March 31, 2022, the 16 west African countries experienced four epidemic waves with variable intensities. Higher mortality was noted during the third wave with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.9%. After these four epidemic waves, Liberia recorded the highest CFR (4.0%), whereas Benin had the lowest CFR (0.6%). Through mutational analysis, a high genetic heterogeneity of the genomes was observed, with a predominance of mutations in the spike protein. From this high mutational rate, different lineages emerged. Our analysis of the evolutionary diversity allowed us to count 205 lineages circulating in west Africa. This study has provided a good representation of the mutational profile and the prevalence of SARS CoV-2 lineages beyond the knowledge of the global epidemiology of the 16 African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Julienne Selbé Ndiaye
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Mamadou Beye
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Aissatou Sow
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gora Lo
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdou Padane
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Vecteurs - Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Campus International Institut de Recherche pour le Développement-Université Cheikh Anta Diop de l’IRD, Dakar, Senegal
- IRD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service de Santé des Armées, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Coumba Touré Kane
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Colson
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IRD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service de Santé des Armées, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IRD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service de Santé des Armées, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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27
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Denayer S, Dufrasne FE, Monsieurs B, van Eycken R, Houben S, Seyler L, Demuyser T, van Nedervelde E, Bourgeois M, Delaere B, Magerman K, Jouck D, Lissoir B, Sion C, Reynders M, Petit E, Dauby N, Hainaut M, Laenen L, Maes P, Baele G, Dellicour S, Cuypers L, André E, Couvreur S, Brondeel R, Barbezange C, Bossuyt N, van Gucht S. Genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants using sentinel SARI hospital surveillance. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2023; 17:e13202. [PMID: 37840842 PMCID: PMC10570899 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To support the COVID-19 pandemic response, many countries, including Belgium, implemented baseline genomic surveillance (BGS) programs aiming to early detect and characterize new SARS-CoV-2 variants. In parallel, Belgium maintained a sentinel network of six hospitals that samples patients with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and integrated SARS-CoV-2 detection within a broader range of respiratory pathogens. We evaluate the ability of the SARI surveillance to monitor general trends and early signals of viral genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and compare it with the BGS as a reference model. Methods Nine-hundred twenty-five SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from patients fulfilling the Belgian SARI definition between January 2020 and December 2022 were sequenced using the ARTIC Network amplicon tiling approach on a MinION platform. Weekly variant of concern (VOC) proportions and types were compared to those that were circulating between 2021 and 2022, using 96,251 sequences of the BGS. Results SARI surveillance allowed timely detection of the Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5) and Delta (B.1.617.2) VOCs, with no to 2 weeks delay according to the start of their epidemic growth in the Belgian population. First detection of VOCs B.1.351 and P.1 took longer, but these remained minor in Belgium. Omicron BA.3 was never detected in SARI surveillance. Timeliness could not be evaluated for B.1.1.7, being already major at the start of the study period. Conclusions Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 using SARI sentinel surveillance has proven to accurately reflect VOCs detected in the population and provides a cost-effective solution for long-term genomic monitoring of circulating respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Denayer
- Viral Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
| | - François E. Dufrasne
- Viral Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
| | - Bert Monsieurs
- Viral Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
| | - Reinout van Eycken
- Viral Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
| | - Sarah Houben
- Observational Clinical Trials, Scientific Directorate of infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
| | - Lucie Seyler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB)Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Thomas Demuyser
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB)Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
- AIMS Lab, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Els van Nedervelde
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB)Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
| | | | | | - Koen Magerman
- Infection Control and Clinical LaboratoryJessa ZiekenhuisHasseltBelgium
- Department of Immunology and InfectionHasselt UniversityHasseltBelgium
| | - Door Jouck
- Infection ControlJessa ZiekenhuisHasseltBelgium
| | | | - Catherine Sion
- Laboratory Site St‐JosephGrand Hôpital de CharleroiGillyBelgium
| | | | - Evelyn Petit
- Laboratory MedicineAZ Sint‐Jan Brugge‐Oostende AVBrugesBelgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint‐PierreUniversité Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Institute for Medical Immunology, ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U‐CRI)Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- School of Public HealthUniversité Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Marc Hainaut
- Pediatrics Department, CHU Saint‐PierreUniversité Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Lies Laenen
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Pathogens, UZ LeuvenUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Piet Maes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL)Université Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| | - Lize Cuypers
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Pathogens, UZ LeuvenUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Emmanuel André
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Pathogens, UZ LeuvenUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Simon Couvreur
- Epidemiology and public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious DiseasesSciensanoBrusselsBelgium
| | - Ruben Brondeel
- Epidemiology and public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious DiseasesSciensanoBrusselsBelgium
| | - Cyril Barbezange
- Viral Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
| | - Nathalie Bossuyt
- Epidemiology and public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious DiseasesSciensanoBrusselsBelgium
| | - Steven van Gucht
- Viral Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in HumansSciensanoUkkelBelgium
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Francisco NM, van Wyk S, Moir M, San JE, Sebastião CS, Tegally H, Xavier J, Maharaj A, Neto Z, Afonso P, Jandondo D, Paixão J, Miranda J, David K, Inglês L, Pereira A, Paulo A, Carralero RR, Freitas HR, Mufinda F, Lutucuta S, Ghafari M, Giovanetti M, Giandhari J, Pillay S, Naidoo Y, Singh L, Tshiabuila D, Martin DP, Chabuka L, Choga W, Wanjohi D, Mwangi S, Pillay Y, Kebede Y, Shumba E, Ondoa P, Baxter C, Wilkinson E, Tessema SK, Katzourakis A, Lessells R, de Oliveira T, Morais J. Insights into SARS-CoV-2 in Angola during the COVID-19 peak: Molecular epidemiology and genome surveillance. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2023; 17:e13198. [PMID: 37744993 PMCID: PMC10515134 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Angola, COVID-19 cases have been reported in all provinces, resulting in >105,000 cases and >1900 deaths. However, no detailed genomic surveillance into the introduction and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been conducted in Angola. We aimed to investigate the emergence and epidemic progression during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Angola. Methods We generated 1210 whole-genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences, contributing West African data to the global context, that were phylogenetically compared against global strains. Virus movement events were inferred using ancestral state reconstruction. Results The epidemic in Angola was marked by four distinct waves of infection, dominated by 12 virus lineages, including VOCs, VOIs, and the VUM C.16, which was unique to South-Western Africa and circulated for an extended period within the region. Virus exchanges occurred between Angola and its neighboring countries, and strong links with Brazil and Portugal reflected the historical and cultural ties shared between these countries. The first case likely originated from southern Africa. Conclusion A lack of a robust genome surveillance network and strong dependence on out-of-country sequencing limit real-time data generation to achieve timely disease outbreak responses, which remains of the utmost importance to mitigate future disease outbreaks in Angola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngiambudulu M. Francisco
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Stephanie van Wyk
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Monika Moir
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - James Emmanuel San
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Cruz S. Sebastião
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA)CaxitoAngola
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Joicymara Xavier
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Akhil Maharaj
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | | | - Pedro Afonso
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Domingos Jandondo
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Joana Paixão
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Julio Miranda
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Kumbelembe David
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Luzia Inglês
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Amilton Pereira
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Agostinho Paulo
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | - Raisa Rivas Carralero
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
| | | | | | | | - Mahan Ghafari
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Reference Laboratory of FlavivirusOswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sureshnee Pillay
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Yeshnee Naidoo
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Lavanya Singh
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Derek Tshiabuila
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Darren Patrick Martin
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Lucious Chabuka
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Wonderful Choga
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Dorcas Wanjohi
- Africa CDC Institute of Pathogen GenomicsAfrica Centre for Disease Control and PreventionAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Sarah Mwangi
- Africa CDC Institute of Pathogen GenomicsAfrica Centre for Disease Control and PreventionAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Yusasha Pillay
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
| | - Yenew Kebede
- Africa CDC Institute of Pathogen GenomicsAfrica Centre for Disease Control and PreventionAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Edwin Shumba
- African Society for Laboratory MedicineAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Pascale Ondoa
- African Society for Laboratory MedicineAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sofonias Kifle Tessema
- Africa CDC Institute of Pathogen GenomicsAfrica Centre for Disease Control and PreventionAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Aris Katzourakis
- Department of BiologyOxford UniversityOxfordUK
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Richard Lessells
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of MedicineUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Joana Morais
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e ImunológicaInstituto Nacional de Investigação em SaúdeLuandaAngola
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Hou M, Shi J, Gong Z, Wen H, Lan Y, Deng X, Fan Q, Li J, Jiang M, Tang X, Wu CI, Li F, Ruan Y. Intra- vs. Interhost Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Driven by Uncorrelated Selection-The Evolution Thwarted. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad204. [PMID: 37707487 PMCID: PMC10521905 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In viral evolution, a new mutation has to proliferate within the host (Stage I) in order to be transmitted and then compete in the host population (Stage II). We now analyze the intrahost single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) in a set of 79 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with most transmissions tracked. Here, every mutation has two measures: 1) iSNV frequency within each individual host in Stage I; 2) occurrence among individuals ranging from 1 (private), 2-78 (public), to 79 (global) occurrences in Stage II. In Stage I, a small fraction of nonsynonymous iSNVs are sufficiently advantageous to rise to a high frequency, often 100%. However, such iSNVs usually fail to become public mutations. Thus, the selective forces in the two stages of evolution are uncorrelated and, possibly, antagonistic. For that reason, successful mutants, including many variants of concern, have to avoid being eliminated in Stage I when they first emerge. As a result, they may not have the transmission advantage to outcompete the dominant strains and, hence, are rare in the host population. Few of them could manage to slowly accumulate advantageous mutations to compete in Stage II. When they do, they would appear suddenly as in each of the six successive waves of SARS-CoV-2 strains. In conclusion, Stage I evolution, the gate-keeper, may contravene the long-term viral evolution and should be heeded in viral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Shi
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zanke Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haijun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Lan
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xizi Deng
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghong Fan
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengling Jiang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chung-I Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongsen Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Oguzie JU, Petros BA, Oluniyi PE, Mehta SB, Eromon PE, Nair P, Adewale-Fasoro O, Ifoga PD, Odia I, Pastusiak A, Gbemisola OS, Aiyepada JO, Uyigue EA, Edamhande AP, Blessing O, Airende M, Tomkins-Tinch C, Qu J, Stenson L, Schaffner SF, Oyejide N, Ajayi NA, Ojide K, Ogah O, Abejegah C, Adedosu N, Ayodeji O, Liasu AA, Okogbenin S, Okokhere PO, Park DJ, Folarin OA, Komolafe I, Ihekweazu C, Frost SDW, Jackson EK, Siddle KJ, Sabeti PC, Happi CT. Metagenomic surveillance uncovers diverse and novel viral taxa in febrile patients from Nigeria. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4693. [PMID: 37542071 PMCID: PMC10403498 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective infectious disease surveillance in high-risk regions is critical for clinical care and pandemic preemption; however, few clinical diagnostics are available for the wide range of potential human pathogens. Here, we conduct unbiased metagenomic sequencing of 593 samples from febrile Nigerian patients collected in three settings: i) population-level surveillance of individuals presenting with symptoms consistent with Lassa Fever (LF); ii) real-time investigations of outbreaks with suspected infectious etiologies; and iii) undiagnosed clinically challenging cases. We identify 13 distinct viruses, including the second and third documented cases of human blood-associated dicistrovirus, and a highly divergent, unclassified dicistrovirus that we name human blood-associated dicistrovirus 2. We show that pegivirus C is a common co-infection in individuals with LF and is associated with lower Lassa viral loads and favorable outcomes. We help uncover the causes of three outbreaks as yellow fever virus, monkeypox virus, and a noninfectious cause, the latter ultimately determined to be pesticide poisoning. We demonstrate that a local, Nigerian-driven metagenomics response to complex public health scenarios generates accurate, real-time differential diagnoses, yielding insights that inform policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith U Oguzie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Brittany A Petros
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology PhD Program, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Paul E Oluniyi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samar B Mehta
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Philomena E Eromon
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Parvathy Nair
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Opeoluwa Adewale-Fasoro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Peace Damilola Ifoga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ikponmwosa Odia
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Otitoola Shobi Gbemisola
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Osiemi Blessing
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Michael Airende
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James Qu
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Liam Stenson
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Oyejide
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Nnenna A Ajayi
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Ojide
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Onwe Ogah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel J Park
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Onikepe A Folarin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Isaac Komolafe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Simon D W Frost
- Microsoft Premonition, Redmond, WA, USA
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Christian T Happi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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31
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Tegally H, Wilkinson E, Tsui JLH, Moir M, Martin D, Brito AF, Giovanetti M, Khan K, Huber C, Bogoch II, San JE, Poongavanan J, Xavier JS, Candido DDS, Romero F, Baxter C, Pybus OG, Lessells RJ, Faria NR, Kraemer MUG, de Oliveira T. Dispersal patterns and influence of air travel during the global expansion of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Cell 2023; 186:3277-3290.e16. [PMID: 37413988 PMCID: PMC10247138 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The Alpha, Beta, and Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) co-circulated globally during 2020 and 2021, fueling waves of infections. They were displaced by Delta during a third wave worldwide in 2021, which, in turn, was displaced by Omicron in late 2021. In this study, we use phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods to reconstruct the dispersal patterns of VOCs worldwide. We find that source-sink dynamics varied substantially by VOC and identify countries that acted as global and regional hubs of dissemination. We demonstrate the declining role of presumed origin countries of VOCs in their global dispersal, estimating that India contributed <15% of Delta exports and South Africa <1%-2% of Omicron dispersal. We estimate that >80 countries had received introductions of Omicron within 100 days of its emergence, associated with accelerated passenger air travel and higher transmissibility. Our study highlights the rapid dispersal of highly transmissible variants, with implications for genomic surveillance along the hierarchical airline network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houriiyah Tegally
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Monika Moir
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Darren Martin
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratorio de Flavivirus, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, University of Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Kamran Khan
- BlueDot, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Isaac I Bogoch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Emmanuel San
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jenicca Poongavanan
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Joicymara S Xavier
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Brazil
| | - Darlan da S Candido
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Jameel Institute, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Filipe Romero
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Jameel Institute, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Oliver G Pybus
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College London, London, UK
| | - Richard J Lessells
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nuno R Faria
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Jameel Institute, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias e Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Moritz U G Kraemer
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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32
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Orf GS, Pérez LJ, Ciuoderis K, Cardona A, Villegas S, Hernández-Ortiz JP, Baele G, Mohaimani A, Osorio JE, Berg MG, Cloherty GA. The Principles of SARS-CoV-2 Intervariant Competition Are Exemplified in the Pre-Omicron Era of the Colombian Epidemic. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0534622. [PMID: 37191534 PMCID: PMC10269686 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05346-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The first 18 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in Colombia were characterized by three epidemic waves. During the third wave, from March through August 2021, intervariant competition resulted in Mu replacing Alpha and Gamma. We employed Bayesian phylodynamic inference and epidemiological modeling to characterize the variants in the country during this period of competition. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that Mu did not emerge in Colombia but acquired increased fitness there through local transmission and diversification, contributing to its export to North America and Europe. Despite not having the highest transmissibility, Mu's genetic composition and ability to evade preexisting immunity facilitated its domination of the Colombian epidemic landscape. Our results support previous modeling studies demonstrating that both intrinsic factors (transmissibility and genetic diversity) and extrinsic factors (time of introduction and acquired immunity) influence the outcome of intervariant competition. This analysis will help set practical expectations about the inevitable emergences of new variants and their trajectories. IMPORTANCE Before the appearance of the Omicron variant in late 2021, numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged, were established, and declined, often with different outcomes in different geographic areas. In this study, we considered the trajectory of the Mu variant, which only successfully dominated the epidemic landscape of a single country: Colombia. We demonstrate that Mu competed successfully there due to its early and opportune introduction time in late 2020, combined with its ability to evade immunity granted by prior infection or the first generation of vaccines. Mu likely did not effectively spread outside of Colombia because other immune-evading variants, such as Delta, had arrived in those locales and established themselves first. On the other hand, Mu's early spread within Colombia may have prevented the successful establishment of Delta there. Our analysis highlights the geographic heterogeneity of early SARS-CoV-2 variant spread and helps to reframe the expectations for the competition behaviors of future variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S. Orf
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Lester J. Pérez
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Karl Ciuoderis
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andrés Cardona
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Simón Villegas
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan P. Hernández-Ortiz
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical and Evolutionary Virology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aurash Mohaimani
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Jorge E. Osorio
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael G. Berg
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Gavin A. Cloherty
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
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Hill V, Githinji G, Vogels CBF, Bento AI, Chaguza C, Carrington CVF, Grubaugh ND. Toward a global virus genomic surveillance network. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:861-873. [PMID: 36921604 PMCID: PMC9986120 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic galvanized the field of virus genomic surveillance, demonstrating its utility for public health. Now, we must harness the momentum that led to increased infrastructure, training, and political will to build a sustainable global genomic surveillance network for other epidemic and endemic viruses. We suggest a generalizable modular sequencing framework wherein users can easily switch between virus targets to maximize cost-effectiveness and maintain readiness for new threats. We also highlight challenges associated with genomic surveillance and when global inequalities persist. We propose solutions to mitigate some of these issues, including training and multilateral partnerships. Exploring alternatives to clinical sequencing can also reduce the cost of surveillance programs. Finally, we discuss how establishing genomic surveillance would aid control programs and potentially provide a warning system for outbreaks, using a global respiratory virus (RSV), an arbovirus (dengue virus), and a regional zoonotic virus (Lassa virus) as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verity Hill
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - George Githinji
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ana I Bento
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Rockefeller Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chrispin Chaguza
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christine V F Carrington
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Public Health Modeling Unit, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Jalal D, Samir O, Elzayat MG, El-Shqanqery HE, Diab AA, ElKaialy L, Mohammed AM, Hamdy D, Matar IK, Amer K, Elnakib M, Hassan W, Mansour T, Soliman S, Hassan R, Al-Toukhy GM, Hammad M, Abdo I, Sayed AA. Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt: insights into spike protein thermodynamic stability. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1190133. [PMID: 37333655 PMCID: PMC10273679 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1190133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic so far has been a series of waves; surges in new cases followed by declines. The appearance of novel mutations and variants underlie the rises in infections, making surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and prediction of variant evolution of utmost importance. In this study, we sequenced 320 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes isolated from patients from the outpatient COVID-19 clinic in the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (CCHE 57357) and the Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM). The samples were collected between March and December 2021, covering the third and fourth waves of the pandemic. The third wave was found to be dominated by Nextclade 20D in our samples, with a small number of alpha variants. The delta variant was found to dominate the fourth wave samples, with the appearance of omicron variants late in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the omicron variants are closest genetically to early pandemic variants. Mutation analysis shows SNPs, stop codon mutation gain, and deletion/insertion mutations, with distinct patterns of mutations governed by Nextclade or WHO variant. Finally, we observed a large number of highly correlated mutations, and some negatively correlated mutations, and identified a general inclination toward mutations that lead to enhanced thermodynamic stability of the spike protein. Overall, this study contributes genetic and phylogenetic data, as well as provides insights into SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution that may eventually help in the prediction of evolving mutations for better vaccine development and drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena Jalal
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar Samir
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam G. Elzayat
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend E. El-Shqanqery
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya A. Diab
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa ElKaialy
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya M. Mohammed
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Donia Hamdy
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Islam K. Matar
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Khaled Amer
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Elnakib
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wael Hassan
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tarek Mansour
- Department of Virology and Immunology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sonia Soliman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Hassan
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Kasr Al-Aini School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Molecular Microbiology Unit, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada M. Al-Toukhy
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Hammad
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abdo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Sayed
- Department of Basic Research, Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Martínez-Martínez FJ, Massinga AJ, De Jesus Á, Ernesto RM, Cano-Jiménez P, Chiner-Oms Á, Gómez-Navarro I, Guillot-Fernández M, Guinovart C, Sitoe A, Vubil D, Bila R, Gujamo R, Enosse S, Jiménez-Serrano S, Torres-Puente M, Comas I, Mandomando I, López MG, Mayor A. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 introductions in Mozambique using pandemic-scale phylogenies: a retrospective observational study. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e933-e941. [PMID: 37202028 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00169-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From the start of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, global sequencing efforts have generated an unprecedented amount of genomic data. Nonetheless, unequal sampling between high-income and low-income countries hinders the implementation of genomic surveillance systems at the global and local level. Filling the knowledge gaps of genomic information and understanding pandemic dynamics in low-income countries is essential for public health decision making and to prepare for future pandemics. In this context, we aimed to discover the timing and origin of SARS-CoV-2 variant introductions in Mozambique, taking advantage of pandemic-scale phylogenies. METHODS We did a retrospective, observational study in southern Mozambique. Patients from Manhiça presenting with respiratory symptoms were recruited, and those enrolled in clinical trials were excluded. Data were included from three sources: (1) a prospective hospital-based surveillance study (MozCOVID), recruiting patients living in Manhiça, attending the Manhiça district hospital, and fulfilling the criteria of suspected COVID-19 case according to WHO; (2) symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection recruited by the National Surveillance system; and (3) sequences from SARS-CoV-2-infected Mozambican cases deposited on the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data database. Positive samples amenable for sequencing were analysed. We used Ultrafast Sample placement on Existing tRees to understand the dynamics of beta and delta waves, using available genomic data. This tool can reconstruct a phylogeny with millions of sequences by efficient sample placement in a tree. We reconstructed a phylogeny (~7·6 million sequences) adding new and publicly available beta and delta sequences. FINDINGS A total of 5793 patients were recruited between Nov 1, 2020, and Aug 31, 2021. During this time, 133 328 COVID-19 cases were reported in Mozambique. 280 good quality new SARS-CoV-2 sequences were obtained after the inclusion criteria were applied and an additional 652 beta (B.1.351) and delta (B.1.617.2) public sequences were included from Mozambique. We evaluated 373 beta and 559 delta sequences. We identified 187 beta introductions (including 295 sequences), divided in 42 transmission groups and 145 unique introductions, mostly from South Africa, between August, 2020 and July, 2021. For delta, we identified 220 introductions (including 494 sequences), with 49 transmission groups and 171 unique introductions, mostly from the UK, India, and South Africa, between April and November, 2021. INTERPRETATION The timing and origin of introductions suggests that movement restrictions effectively avoided introductions from non-African countries, but not from surrounding countries. Our results raise questions about the imbalance between the consequences of restrictions and health benefits. This new understanding of pandemic dynamics in Mozambique can be used to inform public health interventions to control the spread of new variants. FUNDING European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials, European Research Council, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José Martínez-Martínez
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Áuria De Jesus
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rita M Ernesto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pablo Cano-Jiménez
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Chiner-Oms
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Gómez-Navarro
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Guillot-Fernández
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - António Sitoe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Delfino Vubil
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rubão Bila
- Hospital Distrital da Manhiça, Marracuene, Mozambique
| | | | - Sónia Enosse
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Santiago Jiménez-Serrano
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuela Torres-Puente
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Iñaki Comas
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inácio Mandomando
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique; Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Mariana G López
- Tuberculosis Genomics Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique; ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
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Anoh EA, Wayoro O, Monemo P, Belarbi E, Sachse A, Wilkinson E, San JE, Leendertz FH, Diané B, Calvignac-Spencer S, Akoua-Koffi C, Schubert G. Subregional origins of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants during the second pandemic wave in Côte d'Ivoire. Virus Genes 2023; 59:370-376. [PMID: 36932280 PMCID: PMC10023306 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-023-01984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with increased transmissibility, virulence and immune escape abilities have heavily altered the COVID-19 pandemic's course. Deciphering local and global transmission patterns of those variants is thus key in building a profound understanding of the virus' spread around the globe. In the present study, we investigate SARS-CoV-2 variant epidemiology in Côte d'Ivoire, Western sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore generated 234 full SARS-CoV-2 genomes stemming from Central and Northern Côte d'Ivoire. Covering the first and second pandemic wave the country had been facing, we identified 20 viral lineages and showed that in Côte d'Ivoire the second pandemic wave in 2021 was driven by the spread of the Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Eta (B.1.525) variant. Our analyses are consistent with a limited number of international introductions of Alpha and Eta into Côte d'Ivoire, and those introduction events mostly stemmed from within the West African subregion. This suggests that subregional travel to Côte d'Ivoire had more impact on local pandemic waves than direct intercontinental travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etilé A Anoh
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Oby Wayoro
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Pacôme Monemo
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Essia Belarbi
- Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Sachse
- Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for One Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - James E San
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fabian H Leendertz
- Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for One Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bamourou Diané
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Chantal Akoua-Koffi
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Grit Schubert
- Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Subramoney K, Mtileni N, Giandhari J, Naidoo Y, Ramphal Y, Pillay S, Ramphal U, Maharaj A, Tshiabuila D, Tegally H, Wilkinson E, de Oliveira T, Fielding BC, Treurnicht FK. Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 during Five COVID-19 Waves and the Significance of Low-Frequency Lineages. Viruses 2023; 15:1194. [PMID: 37243279 PMCID: PMC10223853 DOI: 10.3390/v15051194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variants of concern (VOC) have gained more efficient transmission and immune evasion properties with time. We describe the circulation of VOCs in South Africa and the potential role of low-frequency lineages on the emergence of future lineages. Whole genome sequencing was performed on SARS-CoV-2 samples from South Africa. Sequences were analysed with Nextstrain pangolin tools and Stanford University Coronavirus Antiviral & Resistance Database. In 2020, 24 lineages were detected, with B.1 (3%; 8/278), B.1.1 (16%; 45/278), B.1.1.348 (3%; 8/278), B.1.1.52 (5%; 13/278), C.1 (13%; 37/278) and C.2 (2%; 6/278) circulating during the first wave. Beta emerged late in 2020, dominating the second wave of infection. B.1 and B.1.1 continued to circulate at low frequencies in 2021 and B.1.1 re-emerged in 2022. Beta was outcompeted by Delta in 2021, which was thereafter outcompeted by Omicron sub-lineages during the 4th and 5th waves in 2022. Several significant mutations identified in VOCs were also detected in low-frequency lineages, including S68F (E protein); I82T (M protein); P13L, R203K and G204R/K (N protein); R126S (ORF3a); P323L (RdRp); and N501Y, E484K, D614G, H655Y and N679K (S protein). Low-frequency variants, together with VOCs circulating, may lead to convergence and the emergence of future lineages that may increase transmissibility, infectivity and escape vaccine-induced or natural host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Subramoney
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Nkhensani Mtileni
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
| | - Yeshnee Naidoo
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.N.); (D.T.); (E.W.)
| | - Yajna Ramphal
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
| | - Sureshnee Pillay
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
| | - Akhil Maharaj
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
| | - Derek Tshiabuila
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.N.); (D.T.); (E.W.)
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.N.); (D.T.); (E.W.)
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (J.G.); (Y.R.); (S.P.); (U.R.); (A.M.); (H.T.); (T.d.O.)
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (Y.N.); (D.T.); (E.W.)
| | - Burtram C. Fielding
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical BioSciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
| | - Florette K. Treurnicht
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
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38
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Wilmes N, Hendriks CWE, Viets CTA, Cornelissen SJWM, van Mook WNKA, Cox-Brinkman J, Celi LA, Martinez-Martin N, Gichoya JW, Watkins C, Bakhshi-Raiez F, Wynants L, van der Horst ICC, van Bussel BCT. Structural under-reporting of informed consent, data handling and sharing, ethical approval, and application of Open Science principles as proxies for study quality conduct in COVID-19 research: a systematic scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012007. [PMID: 37257937 PMCID: PMC10254958 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic required science to provide answers rapidly to combat the outbreak. Hence, the reproducibility and quality of conducting research may have been threatened, particularly regarding privacy and data protection, in varying ways around the globe. The objective was to investigate aspects of reporting informed consent and data handling as proxies for study quality conduct. METHODS A systematic scoping review was performed by searching PubMed and Embase. The search was performed on November 8th, 2020. Studies with hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19 over 18 years old were eligible for inclusion. With a focus on informed consent, data were extracted on the study design, prestudy protocol registration, ethical approval, data anonymisation, data sharing and data transfer as proxies for study quality. For reasons of comparison, data regarding country income level, study location and journal impact factor were also collected. RESULTS 972 studies were included. 21.3% of studies reported informed consent, 42.6% reported waivers of consent, 31.4% did not report consent information and 4.7% mentioned other types of consent. Informed consent reporting was highest in clinical trials (94.6%) and lowest in retrospective cohort studies (15.0%). The reporting of consent versus no consent did not differ significantly by journal impact factor (p=0.159). 16.8% of studies reported a prestudy protocol registration or design. Ethical approval was described in 90.9% of studies. Information on anonymisation was provided in 17.0% of studies. In 257 multicentre studies, 1.2% reported on data sharing agreements, and none reported on Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable data principles. 1.2% reported on open data. Consent was most often reported in the Middle East (42.4%) and least often in North America (4.7%). Only one report originated from a low-income country. DISCUSSION Informed consent and aspects of data handling and sharing were under-reported in publications concerning COVID-19 and differed between countries, which strains study quality conduct when in dire need of answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wilmes
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular research institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte W E Hendriks
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Caspar T A Viets
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon J W M Cornelissen
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Walther N K A van Mook
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Academy for Postgraduate Medical Training, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Health Professions Education, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Josanne Cox-Brinkman
- Department of Health Law, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A Celi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Physiology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole Martinez-Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Judy W Gichoya
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Florida, USA
| | - Craig Watkins
- School of Journalism and Media, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Ferishta Bakhshi-Raiez
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of care The Netherlands, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laure Wynants
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan C C van der Horst
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular research institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bas C T van Bussel
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular research institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Carey ME, Dyson ZA, Argimón S, Cerdeira L, Yeats C, Aanensen D, Mboowa G, Baker S, Tessema SK, Smith AM, Okeke IN, Holt KE. Unlocking the Potential of Genomic Data to Inform Typhoid Fever Control Policy: Supportive Resources for Genomic Data Generation, Analysis, and Visualization. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:S38-S46. [PMID: 37274533 PMCID: PMC10236510 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic demonstrated the value of timely and open sharing of genomic data with standardized metadata to facilitate monitoring of the emergence and spread of new variants. Here, we make the case for the value of Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) genomic data and demonstrate the utility of freely available platforms and services that support the generation, analysis, and visualization of S. Typhi genomic data on the African continent and more broadly by introducing the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's Pathogen Genomics Initiative, SEQAFRICA, Typhi Pathogenwatch, TyphiNET, and the Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Carey
- Correspondence: Megan E. Carey, PhD, MSPH, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK ()
| | - Zoe A Dyson
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Argimón
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Cerdeira
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Corin Yeats
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Aanensen
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gerald Mboowa
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Stephen Baker
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- IAVI, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofonias K Tessema
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anthony M Smith
- Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Centre for Enteric Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Iruka N Okeke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kathryn E Holt
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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40
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Markov PV, Ghafari M, Beer M, Lythgoe K, Simmonds P, Stilianakis NI, Katzourakis A. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:361-379. [PMID: 37020110 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00878-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 333.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of deaths and substantial morbidity worldwide. Intense scientific effort to understand the biology of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in daunting numbers of genomic sequences. We witnessed evolutionary events that could mostly be inferred indirectly before, such as the emergence of variants with distinct phenotypes, for example transmissibility, severity and immune evasion. This Review explores the mechanisms that generate genetic variation in SARS-CoV-2, underlying the within-host and population-level processes that underpin these events. We examine the selective forces that likely drove the evolution of higher transmissibility and, in some cases, higher severity during the first year of the pandemic and the role of antigenic evolution during the second and third years, together with the implications of immune escape and reinfections, and the increasing evidence for and potential relevance of recombination. In order to understand how major lineages, such as variants of concern (VOCs), are generated, we contrast the evidence for the chronic infection model underlying the emergence of VOCs with the possibility of an animal reservoir playing a role in SARS-CoV-2 evolution, and conclude that the former is more likely. We evaluate uncertainties and outline scenarios for the possible future evolutionary trajectories of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Markov
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK.
| | - Mahan Ghafari
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nikolaos I Stilianakis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
- Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Dellicour S, Hong SL, Hill V, Dimartino D, Marier C, Zappile P, Harkins GW, Lemey P, Baele G, Duerr R, Heguy A. Variant-specific introduction and dispersal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in New York City - from Alpha to Omicron. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011348. [PMID: 37071654 PMCID: PMC10180688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the latter part of 2020, SARS-CoV-2 evolution has been characterised by the emergence of viral variants associated with distinct biological characteristics. While the main research focus has centred on the ability of new variants to increase in frequency and impact the effective reproductive number of the virus, less attention has been placed on their relative ability to establish transmission chains and to spread through a geographic area. Here, we describe a phylogeographic approach to estimate and compare the introduction and dispersal dynamics of the main SARS-CoV-2 variants - Alpha, Iota, Delta, and Omicron - that circulated in the New York City area between 2020 and 2022. Notably, our results indicate that Delta had a lower ability to establish sustained transmission chains in the NYC area and that Omicron (BA.1) was the variant fastest to disseminate across the study area. The analytical approach presented here complements non-spatially-explicit analytical approaches that seek a better understanding of the epidemiological differences that exist among successive SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samuel L. Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Verity Hill
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Dacia Dimartino
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Christian Marier
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul Zappile
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gordon W. Harkins
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ralf Duerr
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Vaccine Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Abuyadek R, Amirtharaj F, Al Marzooqi S, Mahmoud S, Al Hosani F. Combined epidemiology and genetic sequencing surveillance in the era of COVID-19 pandemic; Abu Dhabi experience, United Arab Emirates. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 109:105411. [PMID: 36775046 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND United Arab Emirates, has reported the first case of COVID-19 in January 2020 and by October 2022, a total of 1 Million cases and 2348 deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported. The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, has led a novel initiative to conduct a large scale genomic surveillance project. The aim of this surveillance project is to generate data to guide public health pandemic response decision making. METHODS Samples mainly from the community, points of entry to the emirate and healthcare facilities were collected for surveillance using both targeted PCR and/or Genome sequence analysis. Sample criteria were defined and specific metadata were collected in parallel. Using the unique identifiers and through the available datasets, epidemiological and clinical data were integrated. RESULTS A total of 385,191 sample undertake analysis (from January 2021 to October 2022) either genotyping and/or sequence analysis. The most frequently encountered lineages in the community and among severe cases were reported. CONCLUSIONS Genomic surveillance is a major tool essential for guiding public health measures throughout the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Abuyadek
- Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Francis Amirtharaj
- Department Laboratory Medicine Services, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sahar Al Marzooqi
- Department Laboratory Medicine Services, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sally Mahmoud
- Biogenix Lab, G42 Healthcare, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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43
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Molecular Epidemiology and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia, 2020–2022. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030705. [PMID: 36980977 PMCID: PMC10047986 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa and the sixth most affected by COVID-19 on the continent. Despite having experienced five infection waves, >499,000 cases, and ~7500 COVID-19-related deaths as of January 2023, there is still no detailed genomic epidemiological report on the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia. In this study, we reconstructed and elucidated the COVID-19 epidemic dynamics. Specifically, we investigated the introduction, local transmission, ongoing evolution, and spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the first four infection waves using 353 high-quality near-whole genomes sampled in Ethiopia. Our results show that whereas viral introductions seeded the first wave, subsequent waves were seeded by local transmission. The B.1.480 lineage emerged in the first wave and notably remained in circulation even after the emergence of the Alpha variant. The B.1.480 was outcompeted by the Delta variant. Notably, Ethiopia’s lack of local sequencing capacity was further limited by sporadic, uneven, and insufficient sampling that limited the incorporation of genomic epidemiology in the epidemic public health response in Ethiopia. These results highlight Ethiopia’s role in SARS-CoV-2 dissemination and the urgent need for balanced, near-real-time genomic sequencing.
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44
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A high-resolution melt curve toolkit to identify lineage-defining SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3887. [PMID: 36890186 PMCID: PMC9994400 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30754-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs), with mutations linked to increased transmissibility, vaccine escape and virulence, has necessitated the widespread genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. This has placed a strain on global sequencing capacity, especially in areas lacking the resources for large scale sequencing activities. Here we have developed three separate multiplex high-resolution melting assays to enable the identification of Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron VOCs. The assays were evaluated against whole genome sequencing on upper-respiratory swab samples collected during the Alpha, Delta and Omicron [BA.1] waves of the UK pandemic. The sensitivities of the eight individual primer sets were all 100%, and specificity ranged from 94.6 to 100%. The multiplex HRM assays have potential as a tool for high throughput surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, particularly in areas with limited genomics facilities.
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45
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Ismael N, van Wyk S, Tegally H, Giandhari J, San JE, Moir M, Pillay S, Utpatel C, Singh L, Naidoo Y, Ramphal U, Mabunda N, Abílio N, Arnaldo P, Xavier J, Amoako DG, Everatt J, Ramphal Y, Maharaj A, de Araujo L, Anyaneji UJ, Tshiabuila D, Viegas S, Lessells R, Engelbrecht S, Gudo E, Jani I, Niemann S, Wilkinson E, de Oliveira T. Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 during the first four waves in Mozambique. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001593. [PMID: 36963096 PMCID: PMC10021167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mozambique reported the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in March 2020 and it has since spread to all provinces in the country. To investigate the introductions and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Mozambique, 1 142 whole genome sequences sampled within Mozambique were phylogenetically analyzed against a globally representative set, reflecting the first 25 months of the epidemic. The epidemic in the country was marked by four waves of infection, the first associated with B.1 ancestral lineages, while the Beta, Delta, and Omicron Variants of Concern (VOCs) were responsible for most infections and deaths during the second, third, and fourth waves. Large-scale viral exchanges occurred during the latter three waves and were largely attributed to southern African origins. Not only did the country remain vulnerable to the introductions of new variants but these variants continued to evolve within the borders of the country. Due to the Mozambican health system already under constraint, and paucity of data in Mozambique, there is a need to continue to strengthen and support genomic surveillance in the country as VOCs and Variants of interests (VOIs) are often reported from the southern African region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalia Ismael
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephanie van Wyk
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Emmanuel San
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Monika Moir
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sureshnee Pillay
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christian Utpatel
- Molecular and Experimental Mycobacteriology, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
| | - Lavanya Singh
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yeshnee Naidoo
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nédio Mabunda
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Nuro Abílio
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Paulo Arnaldo
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Joicymara Xavier
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Brasil
| | - Daniel Gyamfi Amoako
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Josie Everatt
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yajna Ramphal
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Arisha Maharaj
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leonardo de Araujo
- Molecular and Experimental Mycobacteriology, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
| | - Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Derek Tshiabuila
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sofia Viegas
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Richard Lessells
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eduardo Gudo
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Ilesh Jani
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Stefan Niemann
- Molecular and Experimental Mycobacteriology, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Borstel, Germany
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Túlio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Kanteh A, Jallow HS, Manneh J, Sanyang B, Kujabi MA, Ndure SL, Jarju S, Sey AP, Damilare K D, Bah Y, Sambou S, Jarju G, Manjang B, Jagne A, Bittaye SO, Bittaye M, Forrest K, Tiruneh DA, Samateh AL, Jagne S, Hué S, Mohammed N, Amambua-Ngwa A, Kampmann B, D'Alessandro U, de Silva TI, Roca A, Sesay AK. Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia: an analysis of routinely collected surveillance data between March, 2020, and January, 2022. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e414-e424. [PMID: 36796985 PMCID: PMC9928486 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is one of the deadliest pandemics of the past 100 years. Genomic sequencing has an important role in monitoring of the evolution of the virus, including the detection of new viral variants. We aimed to describe the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia. METHODS Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs collected from people with suspected cases of COVID-19 and international travellers were tested for SARS-CoV-2 with standard RT-PCR methods. SARS-CoV-2-positive samples were sequenced according to standard library preparation and sequencing protocols. Bioinformatic analysis was done using ARTIC pipelines and Pangolin was used to assign lineages. To construct phylogenetic trees, sequences were first stratified into different COVID-19 waves (waves 1-4) and aligned. Clustering analysis was done and phylogenetic trees constructed. FINDINGS Between March, 2020, and January, 2022, 11 911 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in The Gambia, and 1638 SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced. Cases were broadly distributed into four waves, with more cases during the waves that coincided with the rainy season (July-October). Each wave occurred after the introduction of new viral variants or lineages, or both, generally those already established in Europe or in other African countries. Local transmission was higher during the first and third waves (ie, those that corresponded with the rainy season), in which the B.1.416 lineage and delta (AY.34.1) were dominant, respectively. The second wave was driven by the alpha and eta variants and the B.1.1.420 lineage. The fourth wave was driven by the omicron variant and was predominantly associated with the BA.1.1 lineage. INTERPRETATION More cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in The Gambia during peaks of the pandemic that coincided with the rainy season, in line with transmission patterns for other respiratory viruses. The introduction of new lineages or variants preceded epidemic waves, highlighting the importance of implementing well structured genomic surveillance at a national level to detect and monitor emerging and circulating variants. FUNDING Medical Research Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK Research and Innovation, WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulie Kanteh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Haruna S Jallow
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Jarra Manneh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Bakary Sanyang
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Mariama A Kujabi
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Sainabou Laye Ndure
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Sheikh Jarju
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Alhagie Papa Sey
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Dabiri Damilare K
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Yaya Bah
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Forrest
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | | | - Sheriffo Jagne
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Stéphane Hué
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nuredin Mohammed
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Thushan I de Silva
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia; The Florey Institute for Host-Pathogen Interactions & Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Roca
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Abdul Karim Sesay
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia.
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A case for investment in clinical metagenomics in low-income and middle-income countries. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e192-e199. [PMID: 36563703 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Clinical metagenomics is the diagnostic approach with the broadest capacity to detect both known and novel pathogens. Clinical metagenomics is costly to run and requires infrastructure, but the use of next-generation sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 molecular epidemiology in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) offers an opportunity to direct this infrastructure to the establishment of clinical metagenomics programmes. Local implementation of clinical metagenomics is important to create relevant systems and evaluate cost-effective methodologies for its use, as well as to ensure that reference databases and result interpretation tools are appropriate to local epidemiology. Rational implementation, based on the needs of LMICs and the available resources, could ultimately improve individual patient care in instances in which available diagnostics are inadequate and supplement emerging infectious disease surveillance systems to ensure the next pandemic pathogen is quickly identified.
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48
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Koné A, Diallo D, Kané F, Diarra B, Coulibaly TA, Sameroff SC, Diarra HB, Diakité MT, Camara F, Maiga O, Keita D, Dolo O, Somboro A, Coulibaly Y, Bane S, Togo AC, Somboro AM, Togo J, Coulibaly M, Coulibaly G, Kone M, Degoga B, Dramé HB, Traoré FG, Diallo F, Sanogo F, Kone K, Diallo IB, Sanogo M, Diakité M, Mishra N, Neal A, Saliba-Shaw K, Sow Y, Hensley L, Lane HC, Briese T, Lipkin WI, Doumbia S. Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants characterized during different COVID-19 waves in Mali. IJID REGIONS 2023; 6:24-28. [PMID: 36448028 PMCID: PMC9691504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may have contributed to prolonging the pandemic, and increasing morbidity and mortality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This article describes the dynamics of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants identified during the different COVID-19 waves in Mali between April and October 2021. Methods The respiratory SARS-CoV-2 complete spike (S) gene from positive samples was sequenced. Generated sequences were aligned by Variant Reporter v3.0 using the Wuhan-1 strain as the reference. Mutations were noted using the GISAID and Nextclade platforms. Results Of 16,797 nasopharyngeal swab samples tested, 6.0% (1008/16,797) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 16.07% (162/1008) had a cycle threshold value ≤28 and were amplified and sequenced. The complete S gene sequence was recovered from 80 of 162 (49.8%) samples. Seven distinct variants were identified: Delta (62.5%), Alpha (1.2%), Beta (1.2%), Eta (30.0%), 20B (2.5%), 19B (1.2%) and 20A (1.2%). Conclusions and perspectives Several SARS-CoV-2 variants were present during the COVID-19 waves in Mali between April and October 2021. The continued emergence of new variants highlights the need to strengthen local real-time sequencing capacity and genomic surveillance for better and coordinated national responses to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadou Koné
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Dramane Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fousseyni Kané
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bassirou Diarra
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Tenin Aminatou Coulibaly
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Hawa B. Diarra
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamane T. Diakité
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fatoumata Camara
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumou Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Daouda Keita
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar Dolo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Somboro
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssouf Coulibaly
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sidy Bane
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Antieme C.G. Togo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Anou M. Somboro
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Josué Togo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mariam Coulibaly
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Gagni Coulibaly
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Kone
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Boureima Degoga
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Hawa Baye Dramé
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fah Gaoussou Traoré
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fatimata Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fanta Sanogo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kadidia Kone
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ibrahima B. Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moumine Sanogo
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Diakité
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Nischay Mishra
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron Neal
- Collaborative Clinical Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katy Saliba-Shaw
- Collaborative Clinical Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ydrissa Sow
- Collaborative Clinical Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Hensley
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - H. Clifford Lane
- Collaborative Clinical Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Briese
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- University Clinical Research Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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49
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Olawoye IB, Oluniyi PE, Oguzie JU, Uwanibe JN, Kayode TA, Olumade TJ, Ajogbasile FV, Parker E, Eromon PE, Abechi P, Sobajo TA, Ugwu CA, George UE, Ayoade F, Akano K, Oyejide NE, Nosamiefan I, Fred-Akintunwa I, Adedotun-Sulaiman K, Brimmo FB, Adegboyega BB, Philip C, Adeleke RA, Chukwu GC, Ahmed MI, Ope-Ewe OO, Otitoola SG, Ogunsanya OA, Saibu MF, Sijuwola AE, Ezekiel GO, John OG, Akin-John JO, Akinlo OO, Fayemi OO, Ipaye TO, Nwodo DC, Omoniyi AE, Omwanghe IB, Terkuma CA, Okolie J, Ayo-Ale O, Ikponmwosa O, Benevolence E, Naregose GO, Patience AE, Blessing O, Micheal A, Jacqueline A, Aiyepada JO, Ebhodaghe P, Racheal O, Rita E, Rosemary GE, Solomon E, Anieno E, Edna Y, Chris AO, Donatus AI, Ogbaini-Emovon E, Tatfeng MY, Omunakwe HE, Bob-Manuel M, Ahmed RA, Onwuamah CK, Shaibu JO, Okwuraiwe A, Ataga AE, Bock-Oruma A, Daramola F, Yusuf IF, Fajola A, Ntia NA, Ekpo JJ, Moses AE, Moore-Igwe BW, Fakayode OE, Akinola M, Kida IM, Oderinde BS, Wudiri ZW, Adeyemi OO, Akanbi OA, Ahumibe A, Akinpelu A, Ayansola O, Babatunde O, Omoare AA, Chukwu C, Mba NG, Omoruyi EC, Olisa O, Akande OK, Nwafor IE, Ekeh MA, Ndoma E, Ewah RL, Duruihuoma RO, Abu A, Odeh E, Onyia V, Ojide CK, Okoro S, Igwe D, Ogah EO, Khan K, Ajayi NA, Ugwu CN, Ukwaja KN, Ugwu NI, Abejegah C, Adedosu N, Ayodeji O, Liasu AA, Isamotu RO, Gadzama G, Petros BA, Siddle KJ, Schaffner SF, Akpede G, Erameh CO, Baba MM, Oladiji F, Audu R, Ndodo N, Fowotade A, Okogbenin S, Okokhere PO, Park DJ, Mcannis BL, Adetifa IM, Ihekweazu C, Salako BL, Tomori O, Happi AN, Folarin OA, Andersen KG, Sabeti PC, Happi CT. Emergence and spread of two SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest in Nigeria. Nat Commun 2023; 14:811. [PMID: 36781860 PMCID: PMC9924892 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the dissemination patterns and impacts of a virus of economic or health importance during a pandemic is crucial, as it informs the public on policies for containment in order to reduce the spread of the virus. In this study, we integrated genomic and travel data to investigate the emergence and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.318 and B.1.525 (Eta) variants of interest in Nigeria and the wider Africa region. By integrating travel data and phylogeographic reconstructions, we find that these two variants that arose during the second wave in Nigeria emerged from within Africa, with the B.1.525 from Nigeria, and then spread to other parts of the world. Data from this study show how regional connectivity of Nigeria drove the spread of these variants of interest to surrounding countries and those connected by air-traffic. Our findings demonstrate the power of genomic analysis when combined with mobility and epidemiological data to identify the drivers of transmission, as bidirectional transmission within and between African nations are grossly underestimated as seen in our import risk index estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idowu B Olawoye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Paul E Oluniyi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Judith U Oguzie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Jessica N Uwanibe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Tolulope A Kayode
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Testimony J Olumade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Fehintola V Ajogbasile
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Edyth Parker
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Philomena E Eromon
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Priscilla Abechi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Tope A Sobajo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu A Ugwu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Uwem E George
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Femi Ayoade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Kazeem Akano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Nicholas E Oyejide
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Iguosadolo Nosamiefan
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Iyanuoluwa Fred-Akintunwa
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Kemi Adedotun-Sulaiman
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Farida B Brimmo
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde B Adegboyega
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Courage Philip
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Richard A Adeleke
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Grace C Chukwu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad I Ahmed
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oludayo O Ope-Ewe
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Shobi G Otitoola
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olusola A Ogunsanya
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Mudasiru F Saibu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ayotunde E Sijuwola
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Grace O Ezekiel
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwagboadurami G John
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Julie O Akin-John
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwasemilogo O Akinlo
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olanrewaju O Fayemi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Testimony O Ipaye
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Deborah C Nwodo
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Abolade E Omoniyi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Iyobosa B Omwanghe
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Christabel A Terkuma
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Johnson Okolie
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olubukola Ayo-Ale
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Odia Ikponmwosa
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Ebo Benevolence
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Osiemi Blessing
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Airende Micheal
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - John O Aiyepada
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Omiunu Racheal
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Esumeh Rita
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Giwa E Rosemary
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Ekanem Anieno
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Yerumoh Edna
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Aire O Chris
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Mirabeau Y Tatfeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| | - Hannah E Omunakwe
- Satellite Molecular Laboratory, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Mienye Bob-Manuel
- Satellite Molecular Laboratory, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Rahaman A Ahmed
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Chika K Onwuamah
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Joseph O Shaibu
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Azuka Okwuraiwe
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Anthony E Ataga
- Molecular Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Bioresources Research, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | - Funmi Daramola
- Clinical Health, SPDC, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | - Akinwumi Fajola
- Regional Community Health, SPDC, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | - Julie J Ekpo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Anietie E Moses
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Monilade Akinola
- WHO Polio Laboratory, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim M Kida
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele S Oderinde
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Zara W Wudiri
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwapelumi O Adeyemi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology. Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences. College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nwando G Mba
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ewean C Omoruyi
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olasunkanmi Olisa
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olatunji K Akande
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ifeanyi E Nwafor
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Matthew A Ekeh
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Erim Ndoma
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Richard L Ewah
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Rosemary O Duruihuoma
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Augustine Abu
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth Odeh
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Venatius Onyia
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chiedozie K Ojide
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Sylvanus Okoro
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Igwe
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Emeka O Ogah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kamran Khan
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- BlueDot, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nnennaya A Ajayi
- Internal Medicine Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Collins N Ugwu
- Internal Medicine Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley N Ukwaja
- Internal Medicine Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ngozi I Ugwu
- Haematology Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Galadima Gadzama
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - George Akpede
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Marycelin M Baba
- WHO Polio Laboratory, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Femi Oladiji
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Rosemary Audu
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | | | - Adeola Fowotade
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Danny J Park
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Oyewale Tomori
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Anise N Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Onikepe A Folarin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian T Happi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Yamanis T, Carlitz R, Gonyea O, Skaff S, Kisanga N, Mollel H. Confronting 'chaos': a qualitative study assessing public health officials' perceptions of the factors affecting Tanzania's COVID-19 vaccine rollout. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065081. [PMID: 36720575 PMCID: PMC9890278 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mass COVID-19 vaccination in Africa is required to end the pandemic. In low-income settings, street-level bureaucrats (SLBs), or public officials who interact directly with citizens, are typically responsible for carrying out vaccination plans and earning community confidence in vaccines. The study interviewed SLBs to assess their perceptions of the factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Tanzania. METHODS We interviewed 50 SLBs (19 rural; 31 urban) responsible for implementing COVID-19 vaccination microplans across four diverse regions and districts of Tanzania in September 2021. Moreover, we conducted six in-depth interviews with non-governmental organisation representatives and seven focus group discussions with health facility governing committees. We asked for their perceptions of factors facilitating and challenging vaccine rollout according to three preidentified domains: political, health system and community. We analysed translated transcripts using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Political factors facilitating mass vaccination included the executive leadership change from a denialist president to a president who accepted vaccines and promoted transparency. Global integration, commercially and politically, also motivated vaccine acceptance. Political challenges included community confusion that emerged from the consecutive presidents' divergent communications and messaging by prominent religious antivaccination leaders. Health system factors facilitating vaccination included scaling up of immunisation sites and campaigns. Urban district officials reported greater access to vaccination sites, compared with rural officials. Limited financial resources for paying healthcare workers and for transport fuel and a lack of COVID-19 testing compromised mass vaccination. Furthermore, SLBs reported being inadequately trained on COVID-19 vaccine benefits and side effects. Having community sources of accurate information was critical to mass vaccination. Challenges at the community level included patriarchal gender dynamics, low risk perception, disinformation that the vaccine has satanic elements, and lack of trust in coronavirus vaccines. CONCLUSION Mass COVID-19 vaccination in Tanzania will require greater resources and investment in training SLBs to mitigate mistrust, overcome misinformation, and engage communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thespina Yamanis
- School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ruth Carlitz
- Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Olivia Gonyea
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sophia Skaff
- School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nelson Kisanga
- Department of Health Systems Management, Mzumbe University, Mzumbe, Tanzania
| | - Henry Mollel
- Department of Health Systems Management, Mzumbe University, Mzumbe, Tanzania
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