biostudies-literatureUnknown17Merhi GBackground: Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in monitoring viral lineages. Available data reveal a significant gap between low- and middle-income countries and the rest of the world. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 sequencing costs using the Oxford Nanopore MinION device and hardware prices for data computation in Lebanon were estimated and compared with those in developed countries. SARS-CoV-2 genomes deposited on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data per 1000 COVID-19 cases were determined per country. Results: Sequencing costs in Lebanon were significantly higher compared with those in developed countries. Low- and middle-income countries showed limited sequencing capabilities linked to the lack of support, high prices, long delivery delays and lFuture microbiology1001-1007https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9332909biostudies-literatureSARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology: data and sequencing infrastructure.PMC9332909Merhi GHaidar STokajian SKoweyes JKhoury CASalloum TfalseSARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology: data and sequencing infrastructure.Background: Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in monitoring viral lineages. Available data reveal a significant gap between low- and middle-income countries and the rest of the world. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 sequencing costs using the Oxford Nanopore MinION device and hardware prices for data computation in Lebanon were estimated and compared with those in developed countries. SARS-CoV-2 genomes deposited on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data per 1000 COVID-19 cases were determined per country. Results: Sequencing costs in Lebanon were significantly higher compared with those in developed countries. Low- and middle-income countries showed limited sequencing capabilities linked to the lack of support, high prices, long delivery delays and l2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Sep2025-04-27T01:09:31.161Z2025-04-06T18:09:16.266ZS-EPMC93329093589948110.2217/fmb-2021-0207