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Barrera A, Martínez-Valdebenito C, Angulo J, Palma C, Hormazábal J, Vial C, Aguilera X, Castillo-Torres P, Pardo-Roa C, Balcells ME, Nervi B, Corre NL, Ferrés M. SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and antigenic evasion: spotlight on isolated Omicron sub-lineages. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1414331. [PMID: 39267969 PMCID: PMC11390582 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1414331] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2019, a diversity of viral genomic variants has emerged and spread globally due to increased transmissibility, pathogenicity, and immune evasion. By the first trimester of 2023 in Chile, as in most countries, BQ and XBB were the predominant circulating sub-lineages of Omicron. The molecular and antigenic characteristics of these variants have been mainly determined using non-authentic spike pseudoviruses, which is often described as a limitation. Additionally, few comparative studies using isolates from recent Omicron sub-lineages have been conducted. In this study, we isolated SARS-CoV-2 variants from clinical samples, including the ancestral B.1.1, Delta, Omicron BA.1, and sub-lineages of BA.2 and BA.5. We assessed their infectivity through cell culture infections and their antibody evasion using neutralization assays. We observed variations in viral plaque size, cell morphology, and cytotoxicity upon infection in Vero E6-TMPRSS2 cells for each variant compared to the ancestral B.1.1 virus. BA.2-derived sub-variants, such as XBB.1.5, showed attenuated viral replication, while BA.5-derived variants, such as BQ.1.1, exhibited replication rates similar to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus. Similar trends were observed in intestinal Caco-2 cells, except for Delta. Antibody neutralization experiments using sera from individuals infected during the first COVID-19 wave (FWI) showed a consistent but moderate reduction in neutralization against Omicron sub-lineages. Interestingly, despite being less prevalent, BQ.1.1 showed a 6.1-fold greater escape from neutralization than XBB.1.5. Neutralization patterns were similar when tested against sera from individuals vaccinated with 3xBNT162b2 (PPP) or Coronavac-Coronavac-BNT162b2 (CCP) schedules. However, CCP sera showed 2.3-fold higher neutralization against XBB.1.5 than FWI and PPP sera. This study provides new insights into the differences between BA.2 and BA.5-derived variants, leading to their eventual outcompetition. Our analysis offers important evidence regarding the balance between infectivity and antigenic escape that drives the evolution of second-generation SARS-CoV-2 variants in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Barrera
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Martínez-Valdebenito
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jenniffer Angulo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Palma
- Laboratorio de Infectología y Virología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Red de Salud UC CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Hormazábal
- Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Vial
- Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ximena Aguilera
- Centro de Epidemiología y Políticas de Salud, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Castillo-Torres
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Salud del Niño y el Adolescente, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Pardo-Roa
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Salud del Niño y el Adolescente, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Elvira Balcells
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas del Adulto, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bruno Nervi
- Departamento de Hematología y Oncología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Le Corre
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio de Infectología y Virología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Red de Salud UC CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Ferrés
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio de Infectología y Virología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Red de Salud UC CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile
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Oróstica KY, Mohr SB, Dehning J, Bauer S, Medina-Ortiz D, Iftekhar EN, Mujica K, Covarrubias PC, Ulloa S, Castillo AE, Daza-Sánchez A, Verdugo RA, Fernández J, Olivera-Nappa Á, Priesemann V, Contreras S. Early mutational signatures and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 Gamma and Lambda variants in Chile. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16000. [PMID: 38987406 PMCID: PMC11237036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66885-2] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic surveillance (GS) programmes were crucial in identifying and quantifying the mutating patterns of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this work, we develop a Bayesian framework to quantify the relative transmissibility of different variants tailored for regions with limited GS. We use it to study the relative transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Chile. Among the 3443 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected between January and June 2021, where sampling was designed to be representative, the Gamma (P.1), Lambda (C.37), Alpha (B.1.1.7), B.1.1.348, and B.1.1 lineages were predominant. We found that Lambda and Gamma variants' reproduction numbers were 5% (95% CI: [1%, 14%]) and 16% (95% CI: [11%, 21%]) larger than Alpha's, respectively. Besides, we observed a systematic mutation enrichment in the Spike gene for all circulating variants, which strongly correlated with variants' transmissibility during the studied period (r = 0.93, p-value = 0.025). We also characterised the mutational signatures of local samples and their evolution over time and with the progress of vaccination, comparing them with those of samples collected in other regions worldwide. Altogether, our work provides a reliable method for quantifying variant transmissibility under subsampling and emphasises the importance of continuous genomic surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian B Mohr
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Dehning
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Simon Bauer
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Medina-Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Computación, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Emil N Iftekhar
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karen Mujica
- Sub Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulo C Covarrubias
- Sub Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Soledad Ulloa
- Sub Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés E Castillo
- Sub Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Ricardo A Verdugo
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
- Departamento de Oncología Básico-Clínica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Fernández
- Sub Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Álvaro Olivera-Nappa
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Viola Priesemann
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Seba Contreras
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany.
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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3
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Hussein HAM, Thabet AA, Wardany AA, El-Adly AM, Ali M, Hassan MEA, Abdeldayem MAB, Mohamed ARMA, Sobhy A, El-Mokhtar MA, Afifi MM, Fathy SM, Sultan S. SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: role of viral proteins and genomic diversity in virus infection and COVID-19 progression. Virol J 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38539202 PMCID: PMC10967059 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02342-w] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); a severe respiratory distress that has emerged from the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China during December 2019. COVID-19 is currently the major global health problem and the disease has now spread to most countries in the world. COVID-19 has profoundly impacted human health and activities worldwide. Genetic mutation is one of the essential characteristics of viruses. They do so to adapt to their host or to move to another one. Viral genetic mutations have a high potentiality to impact human health as these mutations grant viruses unique unpredicted characteristics. The difficulty in predicting viral genetic mutations is a significant obstacle in the field. Evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 has a variety of genetic mutations and genomic diversity with obvious clinical consequences and implications. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the currently available knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks with a fundamental focus on the role of the viral proteins and their mutations in viral infection and COVID-19 progression. We also summarized the clinical implications of SARS-CoV-2 variants and how they affect the disease severity and hinder vaccine development. Finally, we provided a massive phylogenetic analysis of the spike gene of 214 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from different geographical regions all over the world and their associated clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosni A M Hussein
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ali A Thabet
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Wardany
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El-Adly
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E A Hassan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A B Abdeldayem
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Ali Sobhy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus, Lebanon
| | - Magdy M Afifi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah M Fathy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
| | - Serageldeen Sultan
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Division, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, South Valley University, 83523, Qena, Egypt.
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Salinas DG, Bustamante ML, Gallardo MO. Modelling quarantine effects on SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological dynamics in Chilean communes and their relationship with the Social Priority Index. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14892. [PMID: 36923504 PMCID: PMC10010178 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14892] [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: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An epidemiological model (susceptible, un-quarantined infected, quarantined infected, confirmed infected (SUQC)) was previously developed and applied to incorporate quarantine measures and calculate COVID-19 contagion dynamics and pandemic control in some Chinese regions. Here, we generalized this model to incorporate the disease recovery rate and applied our model to records of the total number of confirmed cases of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in some Chilean communes. Methods In each commune, two consecutive stages were considered: a stage without quarantine and an immediately subsequent quarantine stage imposed by the Ministry of Health. To adjust the model, typical epidemiological parameters were determined, such as the confirmation rate and the quarantine rate. The latter allowed us to calculate the reproduction number. Results The mathematical model adequately reproduced the data, indicating a higher quarantine rate when quarantine was imposed by the health authority, with a corresponding decrease in the reproduction number of the virus down to values that prevent or decrease its exponential spread. In general, during this second stage, the communes with the lowest social priority indices had the highest quarantine rates, and therefore, the lowest effective viral reproduction numbers. This study provides useful evidence to address the health inequity of pandemics. The mathematical model applied here can be used in other regions or easily modified for other cases of infectious disease control by quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino G Salinas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Leonor Bustamante
- Human Genetics Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, North Division, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio O Gallardo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
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5
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Ahumada M, Ledesma-Araujo A, Gordillo L, Marín JF. Mutation and SARS-CoV-2 strain competition under vaccination in a modified SIR model. CHAOS, SOLITONS, AND FRACTALS 2023; 166:112964. [PMID: 36474823 PMCID: PMC9715496 DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2022.112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak around the globe raised an increasing concern about the ongoing emergence of variants of the virus that may evade the immune response provided by vaccines. New variants appear due to mutation, and as the cases accumulate, the probability of the emergence of a variant of concern increases. In this article, we propose a modified susceptible, infected, and recovered (SIR) model with waning immunity that captures the competition of two strain classes of an infectious disease under the effect of vaccination with a highly contagious and deadlier strain class emerging from a prior strain due to mutation. When these strains compete for a limited supply of susceptible individuals, changes in the efficiency of vaccines may affect the behaviour of the disease in a non-trivial way, resulting in complex outcomes. We characterise the parameter space including intrinsic parameters of the disease, and using the vaccine efficiencies as control variables. We find different types of transcritical bifurcations between endemic fixed points and a disease-free equilibrium and identify a region of strain competition where the two strain classes coexist during a transient period. We show that a strain can be extinguished either due to strain competition or vaccination, and we obtain the critical values of the efficiency of vaccines to eradicate the disease. Numerical studies using parameters estimated from publicly reported data agree with our theoretical results. Our mathematical model could be a tool to assess quantitatively the vaccination policies of competing and emerging strains using the dynamics in epidemics of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ahumada
- Departamento de Física, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Casilla 110 V, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - A Ledesma-Araujo
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencia, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Usach, Av. Víctor Jara 3493, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Gordillo
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencia, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Usach, Av. Víctor Jara 3493, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - J F Marín
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencia, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Usach, Av. Víctor Jara 3493, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
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Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Sharma AR, Mallik B. Omicron (B.1.1.529) - A new heavily mutated variant: Mapped location and probable properties of its mutations with an emphasis on S-glycoprotein. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:980-997. [PMID: 35952818 PMCID: PMC9359758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Omicron, another SARS-CoV-2 variant, has been recorded and reported as a VoC. It has already spread across >30 countries and is a highly mutated variant. We tried to understand the role of mutations in the investigated variants by comparison with previous characterized VoC. We have mapped the mutations in Omicron S-glycoprotein's secondary and tertiary structure landscape using bioinformatics tools and statistical software and developed different models. In addition, we analyzed the effect of diverse mutations in antibody binding regions of the S-glycoprotein on the binding affinity of the investigated antibodies. This study has chosen eight significant mutations in Omicron (D614G, E484A, N501Y, Q493K, K417N, S477N, Y505H G496S), and seven of them are located in the RBD region. We also performed a comparative analysis of the ΔΔG score of these mutations to understand the stabilizing or destabilizing properties of the investigated mutations. The analysis outcome shows that D614G, Q493K, and S477N mutations are stable mutations with ΔΔG scores of 0.351 kcal/mol, 0.470 kcal/mol, and 0.628 kcal/mol, respectively, according to DynaMut estimations. While other mutations (E484A, N501Y, K417N, Y505H, G496S) showed destabilizing results. The D614G, E484A, N501Y, K417N, Y505H, and G496S mutations increased the molecular flexibility of S-glycoprotein to interact with the ACE2 receptor, increasing the variant's infectivity. Our study will contribute to research on the SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron, by providing information on the mutational pattern and exciting properties of these eight significant mutations, such as antibody escape and infectivity quotient (stabilizing or destabilizing; increased or decreased molecular flexibility of S-glycoprotein to interact with the human ACE2 receptor).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Bidyut Mallik
- Department of Applied Science, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
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Molina-Mora JA. Insights into the mutation T1117I in the spike and the lineage B.1.1.389 of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Costa Rica. GENE REPORTS 2022; 27:101554. [PMID: 35155843 PMCID: PMC8824091 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Emerging mutations and genotypes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, have been reported globally. In Costa Rica during the year 2020, a predominant genotype carrying the mutation T1117I in the spike (S:T1117I) was previously identified. To investigate the possible effects of this mutation on the function of the spike, i.e. the biology of the virus, different bioinformatic pipelines based on phylogeny, natural selection, and co-evolutionary models, molecular docking, and epitopes prediction were implemented. Results of the phylogeny of sequences carrying the S:T1117I worldwide showed a polyphyletic group, with the emergence of local lineages. In Costa Rica, the mutation is found in the lineage B.1.1.389 and it is suggested to be a product of positive/adaptive selection. Different changes in the function of the spike protein and more stable interaction with a ligand (nelfinavir drug) were found. Only one epitope out 742 in the spike was affected by the mutation, with some different properties, but suggesting scarce changes in the immune response and no influence on the vaccine effectiveness. Jointly, these results suggest a partial benefit of the mutation for the spread of the virus with this genotype during the year 2020 in Costa Rica, although possibly not strong enough with the introduction of new lineages during early 2021 which became predominant later. In addition, the bioinformatic analyses used here can be applied as an in silico strategy to eventually study other mutations of interest for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Arturo Molina-Mora
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET) & Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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8
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Leite JA, Vicari A, Perez E, Siqueira M, Resende P, Motta FC, Freitas L, Fernandez J, Parra B, Castillo A, Fasce R, Martinez Caballero AA, Gresh L, Aldighieri S, Gabastou JM, Franco L, Mendez-Rico J. Implementation of a COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Regional Network for Latin America and Caribbean region. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0252526. [PMID: 35239677 PMCID: PMC8893691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The timely release of SARS-CoV-2 first genomic sequences allowed the identification of the etiologic agent and development of diagnostic protocols. Genomic sequencing was a crucial step in generating data for driving laboratory response and detections of SARS-CoV-2 since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of all the progression and achievements that timely release of genetic sequence data represents in the public health response, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with countries' public health laboratories, started implementation of a network for strengthening the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region on timely generation of SARS-CoV-2 genomic data. Here we describe the implementation of the COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Regional Network in the Americas region during the beginning of the pandemic. The establishment of this network has strengthened laboratory response capacity at the country level, as well as facilitated timely release of SARS-CoV-2 genomic information to be used to complement the multiple response strategies for COVID-19 pandemic mitigation. As genomic epidemiology is useful for guiding public health decisions on outbreak and response, we also analysed the first SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence data from countries of the Latin America and Caribbean Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Almeida Leite
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Andrea Vicari
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Enrique Perez
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Marilda Siqueira
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paola Resende
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando Couto Motta
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas Freitas
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge Fernandez
- Subdepartamento Genética Molecular, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Barbara Parra
- Subdepartamento Genética Molecular, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Castillo
- Subdepartamento Genética Molecular, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Fasce
- Subdepartamento Enfermidades Virales, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Lionel Gresh
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Sylvain Aldighieri
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jean-Marc Gabastou
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Leticia Franco
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jairo Mendez-Rico
- Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
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9
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Angulo J, Martinez-Valdebenito C, Pardo-Roa C, Almonacid LI, Fuentes-Luppichini E, Contreras AM, Maldonado C, Le Corre N, Melo F, Medina RA, Ferrés M. Assessment of Mutations Associated With Genomic Variants of SARS-CoV-2: RT-qPCR as a Rapid and Affordable Tool to Monitoring Known Circulating Variants in Chile, 2021. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:841073. [PMID: 35280916 PMCID: PMC8914012 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.841073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first report of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, the virus has mutated to develop new viral variants with higher infection rates and more resistance to neutralization by antibodies elicited after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection or by vaccines. Therefore, rapid identification of viral variants circulating in the population is crucial for epidemiological assessment and efforts to contain the resurgence of the pandemic. Between January and November 2021, we performed a large variant RT-qPCR-based screening of mutations in the spike protein of 1851 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples derived from outpatients from the UC-Christus Health Network in Chile. In a portion of samples (n = 636), we validated our RT-qPCR-pipeline by WGS, obtaining a 99.2% concordance. Our results indicate that from January to March 2021 there was a dominance of non-identifiable variants by the RT-qPCR-based screening; however, throughout WGS we were able to identify the Lambda (C.37) variant of interest (VOI). From March to July, we observed the rapid emergence of mutations associated with the Gamma variant (P.1), which was quickly replaced by the appearance of a combination of samples harboring mutations associated with the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), which predominated until the end of the study. Our results highlight the applicability of cost-effective RT-qPCR-based screening of mutations associated with known variants of concern (VOC), VOI and variants under monitoring (VUM) of SARS-CoV-2, being a rapid and reliable tool that complements WGS-based surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Angulo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infeciosas e Inmmunologia Pediatricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Red Salud UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Martinez-Valdebenito
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infeciosas e Inmmunologia Pediatricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Red Salud UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Pardo-Roa
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infeciosas e Inmmunologia Pediatricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register – COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonardo I. Almonacid
- Molecular Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Ana Maria Contreras
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Red Salud UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Maldonado
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Red Salud UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Le Corre
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infeciosas e Inmmunologia Pediatricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Red Salud UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Melo
- Molecular Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafael A. Medina
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infeciosas e Inmmunologia Pediatricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register – COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marcela Ferrés
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infeciosas e Inmmunologia Pediatricas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Red Salud UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile
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10
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Parra-Lucares A, Segura P, Rojas V, Pumarino C, Saint-Pierre G, Toro L. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in the World: How Could This Happen? Life (Basel) 2022; 12:194. [PMID: 35207482 PMCID: PMC8879166 DOI: 10.3390/life12020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, with more than 280,000,000 people infected and 5,400,000 deaths. The use of personal protective equipment and the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns have reduced infection and death rates worldwide. However, a recent increase in infection rates has been observed associated with the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the more recently described lineage B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) and lineage B.1.1.529/BA.1 (Omicron variant). These new variants put the effectiveness of international vaccination at risk, with the appearance of new outbreaks of COVID-19 throughout the world. This emergence of new variants has been due to multiple predisposing factors, including molecular characteristics of the virus, geographic and environmental conditions, and the impact of social determinants of health that favor the genetic diversification of SARS-CoV-2. We present a literature review on the most recent information available on the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the world. We analyzed the biological, geographical, and sociocultural factors that favor the development of these variants. Finally, we evaluate the surveillance strategies for the early detection of new variants and prevent their distribution outside these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Parra-Lucares
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile; (A.P.-L.); (V.R.)
| | - Paula Segura
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile;
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile; (A.P.-L.); (V.R.)
- Centro de Investigación Clínica Avanzada, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Pumarino
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile;
| | - Gustavo Saint-Pierre
- Microbiology Unit, Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile;
| | - Luis Toro
- Centro de Investigación Clínica Avanzada, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, 8380456 Santiago, Chile
- Critical Care Unit, Clínica Las Condes, 7591047 Santiago, Chile
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11
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Perez CA, Ormazabal I, Pérez-Valenzuela J, Araya A, Medina RA, Perret C. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus in ambulatory children under 2 years old. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:957273. [PMID: 36523397 PMCID: PMC9745022 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.957273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging virus that has mainly affected adults; hence, most clinical information has been derived from that population. Most pediatric cases are mild and with nonspecific symptoms requiring outpatient management. Children are a major source of spread for most traditional respiratory viruses. Their role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission was thought to be relevant. Children under the age of two comprise a group that is more susceptible to infection since vaccines have not been approved for them until recently. The knowledge of clinical manifestation of COVID-19 in young children is scarce. OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and demographic characteristics of children under 2 years old with confirmed COVID-19, who did not require hospitalization. METHODS This descriptive study was performed from May, 2020 to June, 2021. Children ages 0-2 years with COVID-19, confirmed by transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay that were performed in laboratories of the Red de Salud UC CHRISTUS Health Network, were selected to be contacted. If the parents accepted participating and their children were not hospitalized, a survey was sent to the patients' caregivers. RESULTS Of the 242 cases, 159 caregivers answered the survey (65.7%). The median age of the subjects was 14 months, and 53.5% were males. Fifty percent had comorbidities, of which one third corresponded to atopy. Ninety eight percent were secondary cases. Most of them were infected within their households (81%). The most frequent sources were their parents, followed by their grandparents. The most common symptom was fever (78%) followed by irritability (67.3%), rhinorrhea (66%), and fatigue (64.8%). Infants less than 6 months old more often presented with conjunctival congestion and less loss of appetite compared to older children (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insights regarding COVID-19 in ambulatory young children. Most cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children under 2 years old do not require hospitalization. There was a slight male predominance, and the majority had been infected within their households. SARS-CoV-2 infection should be suspected in children under 2 years old presenting with fever, irritability, fatigue, and rhinorrhea. Children with positive household contacts and fever should also be tested for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina A Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivana Ormazabal
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrea Araya
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafael A Medina
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register (AIRR) - COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Deparment of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Cecilia Perret
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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12
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Elizondo V, Harkins GW, Mabvakure B, Smidt S, Zappile P, Marier C, Maurano MT, Perez V, Mazza N, Beloso C, Ifran S, Fernandez M, Santini A, Perez V, Estevez V, Nin M, Manrique G, Perez L, Ross F, Boschi S, Zubillaga MN, Balleste R, Dellicour S, Heguy A, Duerr R. SARS-CoV-2 genomic characterization and clinical manifestation of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uruguay. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:51-65. [PMID: 33306459 PMCID: PMC7832039 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1863747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and declared by the World Health Organization a global public health emergency. Among the severe outbreaks across South America, Uruguay has become known for curtailing SARS-CoV-2 exceptionally well. To understand the SARS-CoV-2 introductions, local transmissions, and associations with genomic and clinical parameters in Uruguay, we sequenced the viral genomes of 44 outpatients and inpatients in a private healthcare system in its capital, Montevideo, from March to May 2020. We performed a phylogeographic analysis using sequences from our cohort and other studies that indicate a minimum of 23 independent introductions into Uruguay, resulting in five major transmission clusters. Our data suggest that most introductions resulting in chains of transmission originate from other South American countries, with the earliest seeding of the virus in late February 2020, weeks before the borders were closed to all non-citizens and a partial lockdown implemented. Genetic analyses suggest a dominance of S and G clades (G, GH, GR) that make up >90% of the viral strains in our study. In our cohort, lethal outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly correlated with arterial hypertension, kidney failure, and ICU admission (FDR < 0.01), but not with any mutation in a structural or non-structural protein, such as the spike D614G mutation. Our study contributes genetic, phylodynamic, and clinical correlation data about the exceptionally well-curbed SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Uruguay, which furthers the understanding of disease patterns and regional aspects of the pandemic in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Elizondo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gordon W. Harkins
- South African Medical Research Council Capacity Development Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Batsirai Mabvakure
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sabine Smidt
- South African Medical Research Council Capacity Development Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Paul Zappile
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Marier
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew T. Maurano
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Perez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Udelar, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Mazza
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Beloso
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Genética. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Silvana Ifran
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrea Santini
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Veronica Perez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Veronica Estevez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matilde Nin
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gonzalo Manrique
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Perez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana Ross
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Susana Boschi
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria Noel Zubillaga
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raquel Balleste
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Asociación Española Primera en Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab. (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, Office for Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralf Duerr
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Kashima S, Slavov SN, Giovanetti M, Rodrigues ES, Patané JSL, Viala VL, Santos EV, Evaristo M, de Lima LPO, Martins AJ, Dos Santos Barros CR, Marqueze EC, Garibaldi PMM, Ferreira NN, Moraes GR, Brassaloti RA, Cassano RLRC, Mariani PDSC, Kitajima JP, Schlesinger D, Bezerra RS, Assato PA, da Costa FAS, Poleti MD, Lesbon JCC, Mattos EC, Banho CA, Sacchetto L, Grotto RMT, Souza-Neto JA, Fonseca V, de Alcantara LCJ, Nogueira ML, Fukumasu H, Coutinho LL, Borges M, Calado RT, Elias MC, Sampaio SC, Covas DT. Introduction of SARS-CoV-2 C.37 (WHO VOI lambda) in the Sao Paulo State, Southeast Brazil. J Med Virol 2021; 94:1206-1211. [PMID: 34647634 PMCID: PMC8662236 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Lambda variants of interest (VOI) (C37/GR/452Q.V1/21G) was initially reported in Lima, Peru but has gained rapid dissemination through other Latin American countries. Nevertheless, the dissemination and molecular epidemiology of the Lambda VOI in Brazil is unknown apart from a single case report. In this respect, we characterized the circulation of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Lambda VOI (C37/GR/452Q.V1/21G) in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. From March to June 2021, we identified seven Lambda isolates in a set of approximately 8000 newly sequenced genomes of the Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants from Sao Paulo State. Interestingly, in three of the positive patients, the Lambda VOI infection was probably related to a contact transmission. These individuals were fully vaccinated to COVID‐19 and presented mild symptoms. The remaining positive for Lambda VOI individuals showed different levels of COVID‐19 symptoms and one of them needed hospitalization (score 5, WHO). In our study, we present a low level of Lambda VOI circulation in the Sao Paulo State. This reinforces the essential role of molecular surveillance for the effective SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic response, especially in regard to circulating variants. Our study shows the low circulation of the Lambda variants of interest (VOI) in the São Paulo State. Two distinct Lambda VOI introductions may have occurred in the Sao Paulo State. Epidemiological data revealed Lambda VOI transmission in three cases of fully vaccinated individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kashima
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Svetoslav N Slavov
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Evandra S Rodrigues
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elaine V Santos
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariane Evaristo
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Pedro M M Garibaldi
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Serrana State Hospital, Serrana, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo A Brassaloti
- Centro de Genômica Funcional da ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Raquel L R C Cassano
- Centro de Genômica Funcional da ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafael S Bezerra
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patricia A Assato
- Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Felipe A S da Costa
- Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mirele Daiana Poleti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Jessika C C Lesbon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Elisangela C Mattos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Cecilia A Banho
- Medicine School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lívia Sacchetto
- Medicine School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane M T Grotto
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Applied Biotechnology Laboratory, Clinical Hospital of the Botucatu Medical School, Botucato, Brazil
| | - Jayme A Souza-Neto
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Vagner Fonseca
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Coordenação Geral de Laboratórios de Saúde Pública/Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, (CGLAB/SVS-MS) Brasília, Brazil
| | - Luiz C J de Alcantara
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maurício L Nogueira
- Medicine School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heidge Fukumasu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Luiz L Coutinho
- Centro de Genômica Funcional da ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Borges
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Serrana State Hospital, Serrana, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T Calado
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dimas T Covas
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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14
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Buitrago SP, Garzón-Ospina D. Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in South America: demographic history and structuration signals. Arch Virol 2021; 166:3357-3371. [PMID: 34604926 PMCID: PMC8487618 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05258-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In 2020, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 caused a global public health crisis with significant mortality rates and a large socioeconomic burden. The rapid spread of this new virus has led to the appearance of new variants, making the characterization and monitoring of genetic diversity necessary to understand the population dynamics and evolution of the virus. Here, a population-genetics-based study was performed starting with South American genome sequences available in the GISAID database to investigate the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 on this continent and the evolutionary mechanisms that modulate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindy P Buitrago
- PGAME-Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution, Fundación Scient, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia. .,GEBIMOL, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia-UPTC, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia. .,GEO, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia-UPTC, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia.
| | - Diego Garzón-Ospina
- PGAME-Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution, Fundación Scient, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia.,GEBIMOL, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia-UPTC, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia.,GEO, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia-UPTC, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia
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15
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Platten M, Hoffmann D, Grosser R, Wisplinghoff F, Wisplinghoff H, Wiesmüller G, Schildgen O, Schildgen V. SARS-CoV-2, CT-Values, and Infectivity-Conclusions to Be Drawn from Side Observations. Viruses 2021; 13:1459. [PMID: 34452325 PMCID: PMC8402774 DOI: 10.3390/v13081459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In their recent article published in Viruses, Michel Drancourt and colleagues [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Platten
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Horbeller Str. 20, D-50858 Köln, Germany; (M.P.); (D.H.); (R.G.); (F.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Dennis Hoffmann
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Horbeller Str. 20, D-50858 Köln, Germany; (M.P.); (D.H.); (R.G.); (F.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Roger Grosser
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Horbeller Str. 20, D-50858 Köln, Germany; (M.P.); (D.H.); (R.G.); (F.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Fabian Wisplinghoff
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Horbeller Str. 20, D-50858 Köln, Germany; (M.P.); (D.H.); (R.G.); (F.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Hilmar Wisplinghoff
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Horbeller Str. 20, D-50858 Köln, Germany; (M.P.); (D.H.); (R.G.); (F.W.); (H.W.)
- Institut für Virologie und Mikrobiologie, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wiesmüller
- Gesundheitsamt der Stadt Köln, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt 15-21, D-50667 Köln, Germany;
| | - Oliver Schildgen
- Institut für Virologie und Mikrobiologie, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58453 Witten, Germany
- Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, D-51109 Köln, Germany
| | - Verena Schildgen
- Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, D-51109 Köln, Germany
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16
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Juscamayta-López E, Carhuaricra D, Tarazona D, Valdivia F, Rojas N, Maturrano L, Gavilán R. Phylogenomics reveals multiple introductions and early spread of SARS-CoV-2 into Peru. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5961-5968. [PMID: 34185310 PMCID: PMC8426889 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Peru has become one of the countries with the highest mortality rates from the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). To investigate early transmission events and the genomic diversity of SARS‐CoV‐2 isolates circulating in Peru in the early COVID‐19 pandemic, we analyzed 3472 viral genomes, of which 149 were from Peru. Phylogenomic analysis revealed multiple and independent introductions of the virus likely from Europe and Asia and a high diversity of genetic lineages circulating in Peru. In addition, we found evidence for community‐driven transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 as suggested by clusters of related viruses found in patients living in different regions of Peru. This is the first snapshot of the sources of epidemic transmission and genomic diversity of SARS‐CoV‐2 lineages circulating in Peru during the early COVID‐19 pandemic. Phylogenomic analysis revealed multiple and independent introductions of the virus likely from Europe and Asia, and high diversity of genetic lineages circulating in Peru with predominance of the G614G variant (S gene,n= 136/149). We found evidence that early spread of the virus in Lima City was sustained by community transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Juscamayta-López
- Laboratorio de Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru.,Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Dennis Carhuaricra
- Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - David Tarazona
- Laboratorio de Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru.,Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Faviola Valdivia
- Laboratorio de Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Nancy Rojas
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Lenin Maturrano
- Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Ronnie Gavilán
- Laboratorio de Enteropatógenos, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru.,Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru
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17
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Loureiro CL, Jaspe RC, D´Angelo P, Zambrano JL, Rodriguez L, Alarcon V, Delgado M, Aguilar M, Garzaro D, Rangel HR, Pujol FH. SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity in Venezuela: Predominance of D614G variants and analysis of one outbreak. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247196. [PMID: 33606828 PMCID: PMC7895374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the new coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 disease. The first two cases of COVID-19 were detected in Venezuela on March 13, 2020. The aim of this study was the genetic characterization of Venezuelan SARS-CoV-2 isolates. A total of 7 full SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were obtained by Sanger sequencing, from patients of different regions of Venezuela, mainly from the beginning of the epidemic. Ten out of 11 isolates (6 complete genomes and 4 partial spike genomic regions) belonged to lineage B, bearing the D614G mutation in the Spike protein. Isolates from the first outbreak that occurred in the Margarita Island harbored an in-frame deletion in its sequence, without amino acids 83–85 of the NSP1 of the ORF1. The search for deletions in 48,635 sequences showed that the NSP1 gene exhibit the highest frequency of deletions along the whole genome. Structural analysis suggests a change in the N-terminal domain with the presence of this deletion. In contrast, isolates circulating later in this island lacked the deletion, suggesting new introductions to the island after this first outbreak. In conclusion, a high diversity of SARS-CoV-2 isolates were found circulating in Venezuela, with predominance of the D614G mutation. The first small outbreak in Margarita Island seemed to be associated with a strain carrying a small deletion in the NSP1 protein, but these isolates do not seem to be responsible for the larger outbreak which started in July.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen L. Loureiro
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Rossana C. Jaspe
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Pierina D´Angelo
- Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - José L. Zambrano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Virus, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Lieska Rodriguez
- Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Víctor Alarcon
- Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Mariangel Delgado
- Unidad Unidad de Microscopia Electrónica y Confocal, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Marwan Aguilar
- Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Domingo Garzaro
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Héctor R. Rangel
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Flor H. Pujol
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
- * E-mail:
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18
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Justo Arevalo S, Zapata Sifuentes D, Huallpa CJ, Landa Bianchi G, Castillo Chávez A, Garavito-Salini Casas R, Uceda-Campos G, Pineda Chavarria R. Global Geographic and Temporal Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Haplotypes Normalized by COVID-19 Cases During the Pandemic. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:612432. [PMID: 33746914 PMCID: PMC7971176 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.612432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the identification of SARS-CoV-2, a large number of genomes have been sequenced with unprecedented speed around the world. This marks a unique opportunity to analyze virus spreading and evolution in a worldwide context. Currently, there is not a useful haplotype description to help to track important and globally scattered mutations. Also, differences in the number of sequenced genomes between countries and/or months make it difficult to identify the emergence of haplotypes in regions where few genomes are sequenced but a large number of cases are reported. We propose an approach based on the normalization by COVID-19 cases of relative frequencies of mutations using all the available data to identify major haplotypes. Furthermore, we can use a similar normalization approach to tracking the temporal and geographic distribution of haplotypes in the world. Using 171,461 genomes, we identify five major haplotypes or operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on nine high-frequency mutations. OTU_3 characterized by mutations R203K and G204R is currently the most frequent haplotype circulating in four of the six continents analyzed (South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania). On the other hand, during almost all months analyzed, OTU_5 characterized by the mutation T85I in nsp2 is the most frequent in North America. Recently (since September), OTU_2 has been established as the most frequent in Europe. OTU_1, the ancestor haplotype, is near to extinction showed by its low number of isolations since May. Also, we analyzed whether age, gender, or patient status is more related to a specific OTU. We did not find OTU's preference for any age group, gender, or patient status. Finally, we discuss structural and functional hypotheses in the most frequently identified mutations, none of those mutations show a clear effect on the transmissibility or pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Justo Arevalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - César J. Huallpa
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Guillermo Uceda-Campos
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Lambayeque, Peru
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19
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Hashemian SM, Farhadi T, Velayati AA. A review on favipiravir: the properties, function, and usefulness to treat COVID-19. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:1029-1037. [PMID: 33372567 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1866545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At this time, there is no specific therapeutic or vaccine for treatment of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, available drugs for treatment of other viral infections may be useful to treat COVID-19. AREAS COVERED The focus of the current review was studying the main characteristics of favipiravir and its usefulness to treat COVID-19. An electronic search was done by using Pubmed and Google scholar. EXPERT OPINION Based on the mechanism of action and safety of favipiravir, the drug may be a promising candidate for compassionate use against the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Favipiravir has a wide range of activity against many single-stranded RNA viruses, is well tolerated in humans and has a high barrier to resistance. However, high doses of the agent are necessary to obtain an efficient antiviral activity. Favipiravir is teratogen in pregnant women and associated with the hyperuricemia. Therefore, the administration of the drug should be well controlled. Investigating the antiviral prophylactic potency of favipiravir and search for its pro-drugs and/or analogs showing improved activity and/or safety are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed MohammadReza Hashemian
- Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Farhadi
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Velayati
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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