Sequential viral introductions and spread of BA.1 across Pakistan provinces during the Omicron wave.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 waves caused by specific SARS-CoV-2 variants have occurred globally at different times. We focused on Omicron variants to understand the genomic diversity and phylogenetic relatedness of SARS-CoV-2 strains in various regions of Pakistan.

Methods

We studied 276,525 COVID-19 cases and 1,031 genomes sequenced from December 2021 to August 2022. Sequences were analyzed and visualized using phylogenetic trees.

Results

The highest case numbers and deaths were recorded in Sindh and Punjab, the most populous provinces in Pakistan. Omicron variants comprised 93% of all genomes, with BA.2 (32.6%) and BA.5 (38.4%) predominating. The first Omicron wave was associated with the sequential identification of BA.1 in Sindh, then Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab,

SUBMITTER: Bukhari AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10399012 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature