Phylogenetic meta-analysis of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections in immunocompromised individuals highlights the challenges of robust evolutionary rate estimation caused by low genetic diversity.

ABSTRACT: Time-stamped genomic sequences from rapidly evolving pathogens can be used to estimate the rates of evolution through molecular tip-dating. The validity of this approach, however, depends on whether detectable levels of genetic variation have accumulated over the given sampling interval, generating a temporal signal. Moreover, molecular dating methods have demonstrated varying degrees of systematic biases under different biologically realistic scenarios, such as the presence of phylo-temporal clustering. Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections in immunocompromised individuals have been linked to accelerated intrahost molecular rates compared to those of global lineages, facilitating the emergence of novel viral lineages. Yet, studies reporting elevated rates lack assessment of data properties, su

SUBMITTER: Oversti S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477587 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature