First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant.

Material and methods

We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing.

Results

We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7

SUBMITTER: Buenestado-Serrano S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9712298 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature