1
|
Koudokpon H, Lègba B, Sintondji K, Kissira I, Kounou A, Guindo I, Koné KM, Abdou M, Koné A, Sambou C, Bankolé H, Yadouleton A, Dougnon V. Empowering public health: building advanced molecular surveillance in resource-limited settings through collaboration and capacity-building. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 4:1289394. [PMID: 38957804 PMCID: PMC11217560 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2024.1289394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The rapid detection and continuous surveillance of infectious diseases are important components of an effective public health response. However, establishing advanced molecular surveillance systems, crucial for monitoring and mitigating pandemics, poses significant challenges in resource-limited developing countries. In a collaborative effort, research institutions from Benin joined forces with Mali's National Institute of Public Health to implement a state-of-the-art molecular surveillance system in Mali. This approach was characterized by collaboration, multidisciplinarity, and tutoring. Key activities included a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure and human resources through document reviews, interviews, and laboratory visits; the development and validation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for advanced molecular surveillance following an inclusive approach; capacity-building initiatives for 25 biologists in Mali on sequencing techniques; and international tutoring sessions for eight Malian professionals held in Benin. These collective efforts enabled Mali to establish an advanced molecular surveillance system aligned with the WHO's global strategy for genomic surveillance. This manuscript aims to share experiences, insights, and outcomes from this initiative, with the hope of contributing to the broader discussion on strengthening global health security through collaborative approaches and capacity-building efforts, particularly in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hornel Koudokpon
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Boris Lègba
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Kevin Sintondji
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Islamiath Kissira
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Arielle Kounou
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Ibrehima Guindo
- National Institute of Public Health, Laboratory and Biomedical Research Department, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kléma Marcel Koné
- National Institute of Public Health, Laboratory and Biomedical Research Department, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Abdou
- National Institute of Public Health, Laboratory and Biomedical Research Department, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Koné
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Claire Sambou
- Project Responses to the various Crises Caused by COVID-19 in Mali (RC3-Mali), Health Department, Expertise France, Bamako, Mali
| | - Honoré Bankolé
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Anges Yadouleton
- Hemorrhagic and Viral Fevers Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Victorien Dougnon
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Van Nam L, Dien TC, Bang LVN, Thach PN, Van Duyet L. Genetic features of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants and their association with the clinical severity of COVID-19 in Vietnam. IJID REGIONS 2024; 11:100348. [PMID: 38601946 PMCID: PMC11004080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objectives We investigated the genetic variations in the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and their association with clinical status and treatment outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Methods MiSeq was used to sequence the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron genomes, and MEGA 6.6 was used to define the nucleotide variations. We determined the association between clinical severity and treatment outcomes for the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Results The BA.1.1 and BA.2 lineages of the Omicron variant had 57-59 mutations, which is 2-2.7-fold higher than that of the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.2, and AY.57 (Delta) lineages. We found distinct mutations in SARS-CoV-2: five in Alpha (C26305T, G26558T, G7042T, C14120T, and C27509T); seven in Delta (C26408T, C1403T, C5184T, C9891T, T11418C, C11514T, and C22227T); and three in Omicron (C26408T, C8991T, and C25810T). Patients with the Delta variant had a severe rate of 23.8%, a critical rate of 53.7%, and a mortality rate of 38.9%, which were significantly higher than those with the Omicron and Alpha variants. Conclusions The Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants in this study had genetic diversity and differed from the strains reported in other countries, with the Delta variant producing significantly more clinical severity and mortality than the Alpha and Omicron variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Van Nam
- Departments of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trinh Cong Dien
- Departments of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Pham Ngoc Thach
- Micobiology and Molecular Biology Department, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Van Duyet
- Micobiology and Molecular Biology Department, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sensitivity of Detection and Variant Typing of SARS-CoV-2 in European Laboratories. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0126122. [PMID: 36445090 PMCID: PMC9769866 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01261-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is key for clinical management and surveillance. Funded by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, we conducted an external quality assessment (EQA) on the molecular detection and variant typing of SARS-CoV-2 that included 59 European laboratories in 34 countries. The EQA panel consisted of 12 lyophilized inactivated samples, 10 of which were SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Eta, parental B.1 strain) ranging from 2.5 to 290.0 copies/μL or pooled respiratory viruses (adenovirus, enterovirus, influenza virus A, respiratory syncytial virus, or human coronaviruses 229E and OC43). Of all participants, 72.9% identified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA correctly. In samples containing 25.0 or more genome copies/μL, SARS-CoV-2 was detected by 98.3% of the participating laboratories. Laboratories applying commercial tests scored significantly better (P < 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test) than those using in-house assays. Both the molecular detection and the typing of the SARS-CoV-2 variants were associated with the RNA concentrations (P < 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test). On average, only 5 out of the 10 samples containing different SARS-CoV-2 variants at different concentrations were correctly typed. The identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants was significantly more successful among EQA participants who combined real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assays for mutation detection and high-throughput genomic sequencing than among those who used a single methodological approach (P = 0.0345, Kruskal-Wallis test). Our data highlight the high sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 detection in expert laboratories as well as the importance of continuous assay development and the benefits of combining different methodologies for accurate SARS-CoV-2 variant typing.
Collapse
|
6
|
Fischer C, Maponga TG, Yadouleton A, Abílio N, Aboce E, Adewumi P, Afonso P, Akorli J, Andriamandimby SF, Anga L, Ashong Y, Beloufa MA, Bensalem A, Birtles R, Boumba ALM, Bwanga F, Chaponda M, Chibukira P, Chico RM, Chileshe J, Chongwe G, Cissé A, D'Alessandro U, de Lamballerie XN, de Morais JFM, Derrar F, Dia N, Diarra Y, Doumbia L, Drosten C, Dussart P, Echodu R, Eggers Y, Eloualid A, Faye O, Feldt T, Frühauf A, Halatoko A, Ilouga PV, Ismael N, Jambou R, Jarju S, Kamprad A, Katowa B, Kayiwa J, King'wara L, Koita O, Lacoste V, Lagare A, Landt O, Lekana-Douki SE, Lekana-Douki JB, Iipumbu E, Loemba H, Lutwama J, Mamadou S, Maman I, Manyisa B, Martinez PA, Matoba J, Mhuulu L, Moreira-Soto A, Mwangi J, N Dilimabaka N, Nassuna CA, Ndiath MO, Nepolo E, Njouom R, Nourlil J, Nyanjom SG, Odari EO, Okeng A, Ouoba JB, Owusu M, Owusu Donkor I, Phadu KK, Phillips RO, Preiser W, Ruhanya V, Salah F, Salifou S, Sall AA, Sylverken AA, Tagnouokam-Ngoupo PA, Tarnagda Z, Tchikaya FO, Tufa TB, Drexler JF. RETRACTED: Gradual emergence followed by exponential spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Africa. Science 2022; 378:eadd8737. [PMID: 36454863 DOI: 10.1126/science.add8737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The geographic and evolutionary origins of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (BA.1), which was first detected mid-November 2021 in Southern Africa, remain unknown. We tested 13,097 COVID-19 patients sampled between mid-2021 to early 2022 from 22 African countries for BA.1 by real-time RT-PCR. By November-December 2021, BA.1 had replaced the Delta variant in all African sub-regions following a South-North gradient, with a peak Rt of 4.1. Polymerase chain reaction and near-full genome sequencing data revealed genetically diverse Omicron ancestors already existed across Africa by August 2021. Mutations, altering viral tropism, replication and immune escape, gradually accumulated in the spike gene. Omicron ancestors were therefore present in several African countries months before Omicron dominated transmission. These data also indicate that travel bans are ineffective in the face of undetected and widespread infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fischer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tongai Gibson Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anges Yadouleton
- Laboratoire dés fievres hemorragiques virales de Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
| | - Nuro Abílio
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Praise Adewumi
- Laboratoire dés fievres hemorragiques virales de Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
| | - Pedro Afonso
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Jewelna Akorli
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Latifa Anga
- Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yvonne Ashong
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Aicha Bensalem
- Institut Pasteur of Algeria, National Influenza Centre, Sidi-Fredj, Algeria
| | - Richard Birtles
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda.,School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Pointe-Noire, Congo.,Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory HDL, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- MBN Clinical Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mike Chaponda
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Paradzai Chibukira
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Justin Chileshe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Gershom Chongwe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Assana Cissé
- Laboratoire National de Référence-Grippes, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | | | | | - Fawzi Derrar
- Institut Pasteur of Algeria, National Influenza Centre, Sidi-Fredj, Algeria
| | - Ndongo Dia
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Youssouf Diarra
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Lassina Doumbia
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated Partner Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Richard Echodu
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Yannik Eggers
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Torsten Feldt
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Frühauf
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ronan Jambou
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | - Sheikh Jarju
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Antje Kamprad
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ben Katowa
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John Kayiwa
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Leonard King'wara
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ousmane Koita
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Adamou Lagare
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | | | | | - Etuhole Iipumbu
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Hugues Loemba
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory HDL, Pointe-Noire, Congo.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Santou Mamadou
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Brendon Manyisa
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | - Pedro A Martinez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Japhet Matoba
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lusia Mhuulu
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Andres Moreira-Soto
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judy Mwangi
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda.,School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Nadine N Dilimabaka
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Mamadou Ousmane Ndiath
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Emmanuel Nepolo
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | | | - Steven Ger Nyanjom
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eddy Okoth Odari
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Irene Owusu Donkor
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Karabo Kristen Phadu
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vurayai Ruhanya
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Zekiba Tarnagda
- Laboratoire National de Référence-Grippes, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated Partner Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shivshankar P, Karmouty-Quintana H, Mills T, Doursout MF, Wang Y, Czopik AK, Evans SE, Eltzschig HK, Yuan X. SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Host Response, Immunity, and Therapeutic Targets. Inflammation 2022; 45:1430-1449. [PMID: 35320469 PMCID: PMC8940980 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-022-01656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has resulted in a global pandemic with severe socioeconomic effects. Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and organ failure. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) on bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells triggers host inflammatory pathways that lead to pathophysiological changes. Proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon (IFN) signaling in alveolar epithelial cells counter barrier disruption, modulate host innate immune response to induce chemotaxis, and initiate the resolution of inflammation. Here, we discuss experimental models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection, molecular pathways involved in SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation, and viral hijacking of anti-inflammatory pathways, such as delayed type-I IFN response. Mechanisms of alveolar adaptation to hypoxia, adenosinergic signaling, and regulatory microRNAs are discussed as potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Shivshankar
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Harry Karmouty-Quintana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Critical Care, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tingting Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marie-Francoise Doursout
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Agnieszka K Czopik
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Scott E Evans
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Holger K Eltzschig
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sit BHM, Po KHL, Cheung YY, Tsang AKL, Leung PKL, Zheng J, Lam AYT, Lam ETK, Ng KHL, Chan RCW. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 VOC-Omicron using commercial sample-to-answer real-time RT-PCR platforms and melting curve-based SNP assays. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2022; 2:100091. [PMID: 35761832 PMCID: PMC9213017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2022.100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The World Health Organization (WHO) had designated the SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.529 as the new Variant of Concern Omicron (VOC-Omicron) on 26th November 20211. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) tests were widely employed to detect SARS-CoV-2 and its variant. Yet, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron detection performance of commercial real-time RT-PCR platforms and SARS-CoV-2 spike SNP assays remain to be elucidated. Methods In the first part of this study, we evaluated the VOC-Omicron detection performance of three commercial RT-PCR sample-to-answer platforms i.e. Roche cobas® 6800/8800, Roche cobas® Liat®, and Cepheid GeneXpert® systems. The detection performances were compared to one commercial conventional real-time RT-PCR assay (TIB MOLBIOL LightMix Modular SARS and Wuhan CoV E-gene) and one in-house real-time RT-PCR assay targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene of SARS-CoV-2 in the WHO COVID-19 Reference Laboratory at Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In the second part of this study, we evaluated the SNP detection performance of four TIB MOLBIOL melting curve-based assays (1. Spike S371L/S373P, 2. Spike E484A, 3. Spike E484K and 4. Spike N501Y) in clinical samples obtained from hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong. The SNP results were compared to whole genome sequences generated by Illumina platform. Results The VOC-Omicron detection limits of three commercial sample-to-answer assays were tested to be ≤ 2.35 Log10 dC/ml. The detection performances of the sample-to-answer platforms were comparable to the two tested conventional real-time RT-PCR assays. The test sensitivities of TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L/S373P assay and the Spike E484A assays were 100% and 96.6% respectively and the test specificities of both assays were 100%. An aberrant melting peak at Tm 42-44°C was observed when the specimens with Omicron variant were tested with the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484K assay. Notably, the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike N501Y assay failed to detect the spike N501Y mutation of Omicron variant in the tested specimens. Conclusions The SARS-CoV-2 detection sensitivity of three commercial platforms, Roche cobas® 6800/8800, Roche cobas® Liat®, and Cepheid GeneXpert® systems were shown not to be impacted by the large number of mutations of VOC-Omicron. Also, the signature mutations i.e. Spike S371L/Spike S373P and Spike E484A in VOC-Omicron were correctly identified by the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L/S373P and VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484A assays. Unexpected findings including a shifted melting peak or absence of amplification curve/melting peak were observed when specimens with Omicron variant were tested with the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484K assay and Spike N501Y assay, suggesting a potential alert for Omicron variant, prior confirmation by whole genome sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian H M Sit
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kathy Hiu Laam Po
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk-Yam Cheung
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alan K L Tsang
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patricia K L Leung
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J Zheng
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alison Y T Lam
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edman T K Lam
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ken H L Ng
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rickjason C W Chan
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lekana-Douki SE, N'dilimabaka N, Levasseur A, Colson P, Andeko JC, Zong Minko O, Banga Mve-Ella O, Fournier PE, Devaux C, Ondo BM, Akombi FL, Yacka Mouele Bolo L, Ngonga Dikongo AM, Diané A, Mabika Mabika A, Mathouet JF, Dzembo C, Atiga NC, Mouity Matoumba A, Ndjangangoye NK, Bréchard L, Bedotto-Buffet M, Mangombi Pambou JB, Kandet Yattara M, Mbongo Nkama EA, Mintsa Ndong A, Adegnika AA, Raoult D, Fenollar F, Lekana-Douki JB. Screening and Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Circulating During the First Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Libreville and the Haut-Ogooué Province in Gabon. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:877391. [PMID: 35655849 PMCID: PMC9152426 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.877391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics in Africa have been less documented than on other continents. In Gabon, a Central African country, a total number of 37,511 cases of COVID-19 and 281 deaths have been reported as of December 8, 2021. After the first COVID-19 case was reported on March 12, 2020, in the capital Libreville, the country experienced two successive waves. The first one, occurred in March 2020 to August 2020, and the second one in January 2021 to May 2021. The third wave began in September 2021 and ended in November 2021. In order to reduce the data gap regarding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Central Africa, we performed a retrospective genotyping study using 1,006 samples collected from COVID-19 patients in Gabon from 2020 to 2021. Using SARS-CoV-2 variant screening by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), we genotyped 809 SARS-CoV-2 samples through qRT-PCR and identified to generated 291 new genomes. It allowed us to describe specific mutations and changes in the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Gabon. The qRT-PCR screening of 809 positive samples from March 2020 to September 2021 showed that 119 SARS-CoV-2 samples (14.7%) were classified as VOC Alpha (Pangolin lineage B.1.1.7), one (0.1%) was a VOC Beta (B.1.351), and 198 (24.5 %) were VOC Delta (B.1.617.2), while 491 samples (60.7%) remained negative for the variants sought. The B1.1 variant was predominant during the first wave while the VOC Alpha dominated the second wave. The B1.617.2 Delta variant is currently the dominant variant of the third wave. Similarly, the analysis of the 291 genome sequences indicated that the dominant variant during the first wave was lineage B.1.1, while the dominant variants of the second wave were lineages B.1.1.7 (50.6%) and B.1.1.318 (36.4%). The third wave started with the circulation of the Delta variant (B.1.617). Finally, we compared these results to the SARS-CoV-2 sequences reported in other African, European, American and Asian countries. Sequences of Gabonese SARS-CoV-2 strains presented the highest similarities with those of France, Belgium and neighboring countries of Central Africa, as well as West Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine N'dilimabaka
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Julia Cyrielle Andeko
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Ornella Zong Minko
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Octavie Banga Mve-Ella
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Abdoulaye Diané
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Arsène Mabika Mabika
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jenny Francine Mathouet
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Cresh Dzembo
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Nick Chenis Atiga
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Anicet Mouity Matoumba
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institute of Tropical Medecine, University of Tübingen and German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Sante, Libreville, Gabon
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yadouleton A, Sander AL, Adewumi P, de Oliveira Filho EF, Tchibozo C, Hounkanrin G, René KK, Ange D, Kohoun RK, Nari RC, Salifou S, Saizonou R, Kakai CG, Bedié SV, Al Onifade F, Nagel M, Aïssi MAJ, Akogbeto P, Drosten C, Wulf B, Moreira-Soto A, Djingarey MH, Hounkpatin B, Drexler JF. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant, Benin, May-July 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:205-209. [PMID: 34807815 PMCID: PMC8714210 DOI: 10.3201/eid2801.211909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Delta variant epidemiology in Africa is unknown. We found Delta variant was introduced in Benin during April-May 2021 and became predominant within 2 months, after which a steep increase in reported coronavirus disease incidence occurred. Benin might require increased nonpharmaceutical interventions and vaccination coverage.
Collapse
|
11
|
Grayo S, Troupin C, Diagne MM, Sagno H, Ellis I, Doukouré B, Diallo A, Bart JM, Kaba ML, Henry B, Muyisa BS, Sow MS, Dia N, Faye O, Keita S, Tordo N. SARS-CoV-2 Circulation, Guinea, March 2020-July 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 28:457-460. [PMID: 34906290 PMCID: PMC8798712 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.212182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 circulation over 1.5 years in Guinea demonstrates that virus clades and variants of interest and concern were progressively introduced, mostly by travellers through Conakry, before spreading through the country. Sequencing is key to following virus evolution and establishing efficient control strategies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Khandelwal N, Chander Y, Kumar R, Nagori H, Verma A, Mittal P, T R, Kamboj S, Verma SS, Khatreja S, Pal Y, Gulati BR, Tripathi BN, Barua S, Kumar N. Studies on Growth Characteristics and Cross-Neutralization of Wild-Type and Delta SARS-CoV-2 From Hisar (India). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:771524. [PMID: 34888260 PMCID: PMC8650692 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.771524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved to generate several antigenic variants. These variants have raised concerns whether pre-existing immunity to vaccination or prior infection would be able to protect against the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants or not. We isolated SARS-CoV-2 from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-confirmed patients in the beginning of the first (April/May 2020) and second (April/May 2021) waves of COVID-19 in India (Hisar, Haryana). Upon complete nucleotide sequencing, the viruses were found to be genetically related with wild-type (WT) and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 produced a rapid cytopathic effect (24-36 h as compared to 48-72 h in WT) and had bigger plaque size but a shorter life cycle (~6 h as compared to the ~8 h in WT). Furthermore, the Delta variant achieved peak viral titers within 24 h as compared to the 48 h in WT. These evidence suggested that the Delta variant replicates significantly faster than the WT SARS-CoV-2. The virus neutralization experiments indicated that antibodies elicited by vaccination are more efficacious in neutralizing the WT virus but significantly less potent against the Delta variant. Our findings have implications in devising suitable vaccination, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, besides providing insights into understanding virus replication and transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Khandelwal
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Yogesh Chander
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Ram Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Himanshu Nagori
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Assim Verma
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Priyasi Mittal
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Riyesh T
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | | | | | | | - Yash Pal
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Baldev R Gulati
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Bhupendra N Tripathi
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Sanjay Barua
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| |
Collapse
|