Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university identifies dynamics of transmission.

ABSTRACT: Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infe

SUBMITTER: Aggarwal D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8826310 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature