Detection of SARS-CoV-2 variant 501Y.V2 in Comoros Islands in January 2021.

ABSTRACT: Background. Genomic data is key in understanding the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and informing the design and evaluation of interventions. However, SARS-CoV-2 genomic data remains scarce across Africa, with no reports yet from the Indian Ocean islands. Methods. We genome sequenced six SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from the first major infection wave in the Union of Comoros in January 2021 and undertook detailed phylogenetic analysis. Results. All the recovered six genomes classified within the 501Y.V2 variant of concern (also known as lineage B.1.351) and appeared to be from 2 sub-clusters with the most recent common ancestor dated 30 ^th Oct-2020 (95% Credibility Interval: 06 ^th Sep-2020 to 10 ^th Dec-2020). Comparison of t

SUBMITTER: N Agoti C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8753575 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature