Early pandemic molecular diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the US, community circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely began in February 2020 after mostly travel-related cases. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia began testing on 3/9/2020 for pediatric and adult patients, and for all admitted patients on 4/1/2020, allowing an early glimpse into the local molecular epidemiology of the virus.

Methods

We obtained 169 SARS-CoV-2 samples (83 from patients <21 years old) from March through May and produced whole genome sequences. We used genotyping tools to track variants over time and to test for possible genotype associated clinical presentations and outcomes in children.

Results

Our analysis uncovered 13 major lineages that changed in relative abundance as cases peaked in mid-April in Philadelphia. We detected at

SUBMITTER: Moustafa AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7899477 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature