Emergence, spread and characterisation of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.640 circulating in France, October 2021 to February 2022.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundSuccessive epidemic waves of COVID-19 illustrated the potential of SARS-CoV-2 variants to reshape the pandemic. Detecting and characterising emerging variants is essential to evaluate their public health impact and guide implementation of adapted control measures.AimTo describe the detection of emerging variant, B.1.640, in France through genomic surveillance and present investigations performed to inform public health decisions.MethodsIdentification and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.640 was achieved through the French genomic surveillance system, producing 1,009 sequences. Additional investigation of 272 B.1.640-infected cases was performed between October 2021 and January 2022 using a standardised questionnaire and comparing with Omicron variant-infected cases.ResultsB.1

SUBMITTER: Picard G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10236926 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature