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Machado LC, Dezordi FZ, de Lima GB, de Lima RE, Silva LCA, Pereira LDM, da Silva AF, Silva Neto AMD, Oliveira ALSD, Armstrong ADC, Pessoa-E-Silva R, Loyo RM, Silva BDO, de Almeida AR, da Rocha Pitta MG, Santos FDADS, Mendonça Siqueira M, Resende PC, Delatorre E, Naveca FG, Miyajima F, Gräf T, do Carmo RF, Pereira MC, Campos TDL, Bezerra MF, Paiva MHS, Wallau GDL. Spatiotemporal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 lineages during 2020-2021 in Pernambuco-Brazil. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0421823. [PMID: 38651879 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04218-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged as a new threat to humans and spread around the world, leaving a large death toll. As of January 2023, Brazil is among the countries with the highest number of registered deaths. Nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been heterogeneously implemented in the country, which, associated with large socioeconomic differences between the country regions, has led to distinct virus spread dynamics. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the Pernambuco state (Northeast Brazil) throughout the distinct epidemiological scenarios that unfolded in the first 2 years of the pandemic. We generated a total of 1,389 new SARS-CoV-2 genomes from June 2020 to August 2021. This sampling captured the arrival, communitary transmission, and the circulation of the B1.1, B.1.1.28, and B.1.1.33 lineages; the emergence of the former variant of interest P.2; and the emergence and fast replacement of all previous variants by the more transmissible variant of concern P.1 (Gamma). Based on the incidence and lineage spread pattern, we observed an East-to-West to inner state pattern of transmission, which is in agreement with the transmission of more populous metropolitan areas to medium- and small-size country-side cities in the state. Such transmission patterns may be partially explained by the main routes of traffic across municipalities in the state. Our results highlight that the fine-grained intrastate analysis of lineages and incidence spread can provide actionable insights for planning future nonpharmacological intervention for air-borne transmissible human pathogens.IMPORTANCEDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil was one of the most affected countries, mainly due its continental-size, socioeconomic differences among regions, and heterogeneous implementation of intervention methods. In order to investigate SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in the state of Pernambuco, we conducted a spatiotemporal dispersion study, covering the period from June 2020 to August 2021, to comprehend the dynamics of viral transmission during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Throughout this study, we were able to track three significant epidemiological waves of transmission caused by B1.1, B.1.1.28, B.1.1.33, P.2, and P.1 lineages. These analyses provided valuable insights into the evolution of the epidemiological landscape, contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of virus transmission during the early years of the pandemic in the state of Pernambuco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Ceschini Machado
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Filipe Zimmer Dezordi
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Núcleo de Bioinformática (NBI), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Barbosa de Lima
- Núcleo de Plataformas Tecnológicas (NPT), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Raul Emídio de Lima
- Núcleo de Plataformas Tecnológicas (NPT), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Lilian Caroliny Amorim Silva
- Núcleo de Plataformas Tecnológicas (NPT), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Leandro de Mattos Pereira
- Núcleo de Bioinformática (NBI), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Freitas da Silva
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Núcleo de Bioinformática (NBI), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - André Luiz Sá de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Estatística e Geoprocessamento, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Pernambuco- FIOCRUZ-PE, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Rômulo Pessoa-E-Silva
- Suely-Galdino Therapeutic Innovation Research Center (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Moraes Loyo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Barbara de Oliveira Silva
- Suely-Galdino Therapeutic Innovation Research Center (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida
- Suely-Galdino Therapeutic Innovation Research Center (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
- Suely-Galdino Therapeutic Innovation Research Center (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles (LVRS), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ-Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles (LVRS), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ-Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edson Delatorre
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Gomes Naveca
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia (EDTA), Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, FIOCRUZ-Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Fabio Miyajima
- Analytical Competence Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory (ACME), FIOCRUZ-Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Tiago Gräf
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Michelly Cristiny Pereira
- Suely-Galdino Therapeutic Innovation Research Center (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Tulio de Lima Campos
- Núcleo de Bioinformática (NBI), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Matheus Filgueira Bezerra
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Henrique Santos Paiva
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Núcleo de Ciências da Vida, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Centro Acadêmico do Agreste, Caruaru, Brazil
| | - Gabriel da Luz Wallau
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Núcleo de Bioinformática (NBI), Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), FIOCRUZ-Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Center for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, National Reference Center for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hamburg, Germany
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2
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Kramer AM, Thornlow B, Ye C, De Maio N, McBroome J, Hinrichs AS, Lanfear R, Turakhia Y, Corbett-Detig R. Online Phylogenetics with matOptimize Produces Equivalent Trees and is Dramatically More Efficient for Large SARS-CoV-2 Phylogenies than de novo and Maximum-Likelihood Implementations. Syst Biol 2023; 72:1039-1051. [PMID: 37232476 PMCID: PMC10627557 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetics has been foundational to SARS-CoV-2 research and public health policy, assisting in genomic surveillance, contact tracing, and assessing emergence and spread of new variants. However, phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 have often relied on tools designed for de novo phylogenetic inference, in which all data are collected before any analysis is performed and the phylogeny is inferred once from scratch. SARS-CoV-2 data sets do not fit this mold. There are currently over 14 million sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes in online databases, with tens of thousands of new genomes added every day. Continuous data collection, combined with the public health relevance of SARS-CoV-2, invites an "online" approach to phylogenetics, in which new samples are added to existing phylogenetic trees every day. The extremely dense sampling of SARS-CoV-2 genomes also invites a comparison between likelihood and parsimony approaches to phylogenetic inference. Maximum likelihood (ML) and pseudo-ML methods may be more accurate when there are multiple changes at a single site on a single branch, but this accuracy comes at a large computational cost, and the dense sampling of SARS-CoV-2 genomes means that these instances will be extremely rare because each internal branch is expected to be extremely short. Therefore, it may be that approaches based on maximum parsimony (MP) are sufficiently accurate for reconstructing phylogenies of SARS-CoV-2, and their simplicity means that they can be applied to much larger data sets. Here, we evaluate the performance of de novo and online phylogenetic approaches, as well as ML, pseudo-ML, and MP frameworks for inferring large and dense SARS-CoV-2 phylogenies. Overall, we find that online phylogenetics produces similar phylogenetic trees to de novo analyses for SARS-CoV-2, and that MP optimization with UShER and matOptimize produces equivalent SARS-CoV-2 phylogenies to some of the most popular ML and pseudo-ML inference tools. MP optimization with UShER and matOptimize is thousands of times faster than presently available implementations of ML and online phylogenetics is faster than de novo inference. Our results therefore suggest that parsimony-based methods like UShER and matOptimize represent an accurate and more practical alternative to established ML implementations for large SARS-CoV-2 phylogenies and could be successfully applied to other similar data sets with particularly dense sampling and short branch lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Kramer
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Bryan Thornlow
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Cheng Ye
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicola De Maio
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Jakob McBroome
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Angie S Hinrichs
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Robert Lanfear
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yatish Turakhia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Russell Corbett-Detig
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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Misra G, Manzoor A, Chopra M, Upadhyay A, Katiyar A, Bhushan B, Anvikar A. Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 from Uttar Pradesh, India. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14847. [PMID: 37684328 PMCID: PMC10491582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The various strains and mutations of SARS-CoV-2 have been tracked using several forms of genomic classification systems. The present study reports high-throughput sequencing and analysis of 99 SARS-CoV-2 specimens from Western Uttar Pradesh using sequences obtained from the GISAID database, followed by phylogeny and clade classification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Omicron lineages BA-2-like (55.55%) followed by Delta lineage-B.1.617.2 (45.5%) were predominantly circulating in this area Signature substitution at positions S: N501Y, S: D614G, S: T478K, S: K417N, S: E484A, S: P681H, and S: S477N were commonly detected in the Omicron variant-BA-2-like, however S: D614G, S: L452R, S: P681R and S: D950N were confined to Delta variant-B.1.617.2. We have also identified three escape variants in the S gene at codon position 19 (T19I/R), 484 (E484A/Q), and 681 (P681R/H) during the fourth and fifth waves in India. Based on the phylogenetic diversification studies and similar changes in other lineages, our analysis revealed indications of convergent evolution as the virus adjusts to the shifting immunological profile of its human host. To the best of our knowledge, this study is an approach to comprehensively map the circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains from Western Uttar Pradesh using an integrated approach of whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These findings will be extremely valuable in developing a structured approach toward pandemic preparedness and evidence-based intervention plans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Misra
- Molecular Diagnostics and COVID-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area, Noida, UP, 201309, India.
| | - Ashrat Manzoor
- Molecular Diagnostics and COVID-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area, Noida, UP, 201309, India
| | - Meenu Chopra
- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Archana Upadhyay
- Molecular Diagnostics and COVID-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area, Noida, UP, 201309, India
| | - Amit Katiyar
- Bioinformatics Facility, Centralized Core Research Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Brij Bhushan
- Molecular Diagnostics and COVID-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area, Noida, UP, 201309, India
| | - Anup Anvikar
- Molecular Diagnostics and COVID-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area, Noida, UP, 201309, India
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4
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Mayer ADM, Gröhs Ferrareze PA, de Oliveira LFV, Gregianini TS, Neves CLAM, Caldana GD, Kmetzsch L, Thompson CE. Genomic characterization and molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Virology 2023; 582:1-11. [PMID: 36989935 PMCID: PMC10018445 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 and has afflicted the world since the end of 2019. Different lineages have been discovered and the Gamma lineage, which started the second wave of infections, was first described in Brazil, one of the most affected countries by pandemic. Therefore, this study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 sequenced genomes from Esteio city in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. We also comparatively analyzed genomes of the two first years of the pandemic from Rio Grande do Sul state for understanding their genomic and evolutionary patterns. The phylogenomic analysis showed monophyletic groups for Alpha, Gamma, Delta and Omicron, as well as for other circulating lineages in the state. Molecular evolutionary analysis identified several sites under adaptive selection in membrane and nucleocapsid proteins which could be related to a prevalent stabilizing effect on membrane protein structure, as well as majoritarily destabilizing effects on C-terminal nucleocapsid domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda de Menezes Mayer
- Center of Biotechnology, Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aline Gröhs Ferrareze
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiana Schäffer Gregianini
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (LACEN/CEVS/SES-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Dickin Caldana
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lívia Kmetzsch
- Center of Biotechnology, Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudia Elizabeth Thompson
- Center of Biotechnology, Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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5
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Lamkiewicz K, Esquivel Gomez LR, Kühnert D, Marz M. Genome Structure, Life Cycle, and Taxonomy of Coronaviruses and the Evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 439:305-339. [PMID: 36592250 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-15640-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have a broad host range and exhibit high zoonotic potential. In this chapter, we describe their genomic organization in terms of encoded proteins and provide an introduction to the peculiar discontinuous transcription mechanism. Further, we present evolutionary conserved genomic RNA secondary structure features, which are involved in the complex replication mechanism. With a focus on computational methods, we review the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 starting with the 2019 strains. In that context, we also discuss the debated hypothesis of whether SARS-CoV-2 was created in a laboratory. We focus on the molecular evolution and the epidemiological dynamics of this recently emerged pathogen and we explain how variants of concern are detected and characterised. COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, can spread through different transmission routes and also depends on a number of risk factors. We describe how current computational models of viral epidemiology, or more specifically, phylodynamics, have facilitated and will continue to enable a better understanding of the epidemic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lamkiewicz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luis Roger Esquivel Gomez
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Straße 10, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Denise Kühnert
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Straße 10, 07745, Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- FLI Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Brazil: A Systematic Review with Scientometric Analysis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122715. [PMID: 36560720 PMCID: PMC9784312 DOI: 10.3390/v14122715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have monitored the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Brazil throughout the pandemic. Here, we systematically reviewed and conducted a scientometric analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance studies using Brazilian samples. A Pubmed database search on October 2022 returned 492 articles, of which 106 were included. Ninety-six different strains were reported, with variant of concern (VOC) gamma (n = 35,398), VOC delta (n = 15,780), and the variant of interest zeta (n = 1983) being the most common. The top three states with the most samples in the published articles were São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. Whereas the first year of the pandemic presented primary circulation of B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33 variants, consecutive replacements were observed between them and VOI zeta, VOC gamma, VOC delta, and VOC omicron. VOI mu, VOI lambda, VOC alpha, and VOC beta were also detected but failed to reach significant circulation. Co-infection, re-infection, and vaccine breakthrough reports were found. Article co-citation differed from the co-authorship structure. Despite the limitations, we expect to give an overview of Brazil's genomic surveillance studies and contribute to future research execution.
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7
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da-Costa-Rodrigues B, Cheohen C, Sciammarella F, Pierre-Bonetti-Pozzobon A, Ribeiro L, Nepomuceno-Silva JL, Medeiros M, Mury F, Monteiro-de-Barros C, Lazoski C, Leal-da-Silva M, Tanuri A, Nunes-da-Fonseca R. SARS-CoV-2 Spatiotemporal Genomic and Molecular Analysis of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Macaé, the Brazilian Capital of Oil. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911497. [PMID: 36232806 PMCID: PMC9569756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection led to millions of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of workers from several other Brazilian cities, as well as from other countries, arrive daily in Macaé to work in the oil supply chain, making this city a putative hotspot for the introduction of new viral lineages. In this study, we performed a genomic survey of SARS-CoV-2 samples from Macaé during the first outbreak of COVID-19, combined with clinical data and a molecular integrative analysis. First, phylogenomic analyses showed a high occurrence of viral introduction events and the establishment of local transmissions in Macaé, including the ingression and spread of the B.1.1.28 lineage in the municipality from June to August 2020. Second, SARS-CoV-2 mutations were identified in patients with distinct levels of COVID-19 severity. Third, molecular interactions of the mutated spike protein from three B.1.1.33 local samples and human ACE2 showed higher interactions than that of the wild-type spike protein from the ancestral virus. Altogether, these results elucidate the SARS-CoV-2 genomic profile in a strategic Brazilian city and further explore the functional aspects of SARS-CoV-2 with a characterization of emerging viral mutations associated with clinical data and the potential targets for drug development against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno da-Costa-Rodrigues
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
- Programa de Ciências Morfológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil
- Correspondence: (B.d.-C.-R.); (R.N.-d.-F.)
| | - Caio Cheohen
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Felipe Sciammarella
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Allan Pierre-Bonetti-Pozzobon
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Lupis Ribeiro
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - José Luciano Nepomuceno-Silva
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Marcio Medeiros
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Flávia Mury
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Cintia Monteiro-de-Barros
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Lazoski
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Manuela Leal-da-Silva
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
| | - Amilcar Tanuri
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes-da-Fonseca
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade-NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. São José do Barreto 764, Macaé 27965-550, Brazil
- Programa de Ciências Morfológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil
- Correspondence: (B.d.-C.-R.); (R.N.-d.-F.)
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8
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Gularte JS, da Silva MS, Filippi M, Demoliner M, Schallenberger K, Hansen AW, de Abreu Góes Pereira VM, Heldt FH, Girardi V, Weber MN, de Almeida PR, Abbadi BL, Dornelles M, Bizarro CV, Machado P, Basso LA, Dellagostin OA, Fleck JD, Spilki FR. Viral isolation allows characterization of early samples of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B1.1.33 with unique mutations (S: H655Y and T63N) circulating in Southern Brazil in 2020. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1313-1319. [PMID: 35778549 PMCID: PMC9428868 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00789-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Different approaches are in use to improve our knowledge about the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Cell culture-based methods are the better way to perform viral isolation, evaluate viral infectivity, and amplify the virus. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing (NGS) have been essential to analyze a complete genome and to describe new viral species and lineages that have arisen over time. Four naso-oropharyngeal swab samples, collected from April to July of 2020, were isolated and sequenced aiming to produce viral stocks and analyze the mutational profile of the found lineage. B.1.1.33 was the lineage detected in all sequences. Although the samples belong to the same lineage, it was possible to evaluate different mutations found including some that were first described in these sequences, like the S:H655Y and T63N. The results described here can help to elicit how the pandemic started to spread and how it has been evolving in south Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Schons Gularte
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Soares da Silva
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Micheli Filippi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Meriane Demoliner
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Karoline Schallenberger
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Alana Witt Hansen
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | | | - Fágner Henrique Heldt
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Viviane Girardi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Matheus Nunes Weber
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Paula Rodrigues de Almeida
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lopes Abbadi
- Centro de Pesquisas Em Biologia Molecular E Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619900, Brazil
| | - Maiele Dornelles
- Centro de Pesquisas Em Biologia Molecular E Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619900, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Valim Bizarro
- Centro de Pesquisas Em Biologia Molecular E Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619900, Brazil
| | - Pablo Machado
- Centro de Pesquisas Em Biologia Molecular E Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Augusto Basso
- Centro de Pesquisas Em Biologia Molecular E Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90619900, Brazil
| | - Odir Antonio Dellagostin
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Juliane Deise Fleck
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rosado Spilki
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, nº 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
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9
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Zhu M, Zeng Q, Saputro BIL, Chew SP, Chew I, Frendy H, Tan JW, Li L. Tracking the molecular evolution and transmission patterns of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.466.2 in Indonesia based on genomic surveillance data. Virol J 2022; 19:103. [PMID: 35710544 PMCID: PMC9202327 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01830-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a new epi-center of COVID-19 in Asia and a densely populated developing country, Indonesia is facing unprecedented challenges in public health. SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.466.2 was reported to be an indigenous dominant strain in Indonesia (once second only to the Delta variant). However, it remains unclear how this variant evolved and spread within such an archipelagic nation. Methods For statistical description, the spatiotemporal distributions of the B.1.466.2 variant were plotted using the publicly accessible metadata in GISAID. A total of 1302 complete genome sequences of Indonesian B.1.466.2 strains with high coverage were downloaded from the GISAID’s EpiCoV database on 28 August 2021. To determine the molecular evolutionary characteristics, we performed a time-scaled phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood algorithm and called the single nucleotide variants taking the Wuhan-Hu-1 sequence as reference. To investigate the spatiotemporal transmission patterns, we estimated two dynamic parameters (effective population size and effective reproduction number) and reconstructed the phylogeography among different islands. Results As of the end of August 2021, nearly 85% of the global SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.466.2 sequences (including the first one) were obtained from Indonesia. This variant was estimated to account for over 50% of Indonesia’s daily infections during the period of March–May 2021. The time-scaled phylogeny suggested that SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.466.2 circulating in Indonesia might have originated from Java Island in mid-June 2020 and had evolved into two disproportional and distinct sub-lineages. High-frequency non-synonymous mutations were mostly found in the spike and NSP3; the S-D614G/N439K/P681R co-mutations were identified in its larger sub-lineage. The demographic history was inferred to have experienced four phases, with an exponential growth from October 2020 to February 2021. The effective reproduction number was estimated to have reached its peak (11.18) in late December 2020 and dropped to be less than one after early May 2021. The relevant phylogeography showed that Java and Sumatra might successively act as epi-centers and form a stable transmission loop. Additionally, several long-distance transmission links across seas were revealed. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the tropical archipelago may follow unique patterns of evolution and transmission. Continuous, extensive and targeted genomic surveillance is essential. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-022-01830-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianli Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Biological Products, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Sien Ping Chew
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ian Chew
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Holie Frendy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Krida Wacana Christian University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Joanna Weihui Tan
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Thornlow B, Kramer A, Ye C, De Maio N, McBroome J, Hinrichs AS, Lanfear R, Turakhia Y, Corbett-Detig R. Online Phylogenetics using Parsimony Produces Slightly Better Trees and is Dramatically More Efficient for Large SARS-CoV-2 Phylogenies than de novo and Maximum-Likelihood Approaches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2021.12.02.471004. [PMID: 35611334 PMCID: PMC9128781 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.02.471004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phylogenetics has been foundational to SARS-CoV-2 research and public health policy, assisting in genomic surveillance, contact tracing, and assessing emergence and spread of new variants. However, phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 have often relied on tools designed for de novo phylogenetic inference, in which all data are collected before any analysis is performed and the phylogeny is inferred once from scratch. SARS-CoV-2 datasets do not fit this mould. There are currently over 10 million sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes in online databases, with tens of thousands of new genomes added every day. Continuous data collection, combined with the public health relevance of SARS-CoV-2, invites an "online" approach to phylogenetics, in which new samples are added to existing phylogenetic trees every day. The extremely dense sampling of SARS-CoV-2 genomes also invites a comparison between likelihood and parsimony approaches to phylogenetic inference. Maximum likelihood (ML) methods are more accurate when there are multiple changes at a single site on a single branch, but this accuracy comes at a large computational cost, and the dense sampling of SARS-CoV-2 genomes means that these instances will be extremely rare because each internal branch is expected to be extremely short. Therefore, it may be that approaches based on maximum parsimony (MP) are sufficiently accurate for reconstructing phylogenies of SARS-CoV-2, and their simplicity means that they can be applied to much larger datasets. Here, we evaluate the performance of de novo and online phylogenetic approaches, and ML and MP frameworks, for inferring large and dense SARS-CoV-2 phylogenies. Overall, we find that online phylogenetics produces similar phylogenetic trees to de novo analyses for SARS-CoV-2, and that MP optimizations produce more accurate SARS-CoV-2 phylogenies than do ML optimizations. Since MP is thousands of times faster than presently available implementations of ML and online phylogenetics is faster than de novo , we therefore propose that, in the context of comprehensive genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, MP online phylogenetics approaches should be favored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Thornlow
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Alexander Kramer
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Cheng Ye
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego; San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicola De Maio
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus; Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Jakob McBroome
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Angie S. Hinrichs
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Robert Lanfear
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University; Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yatish Turakhia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego; San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Russell Corbett-Detig
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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11
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Genomic Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Tocantins State and the Diffusion of P.1.7 and AY.99.2 Lineages in Brazil. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040659. [PMID: 35458389 PMCID: PMC9031820 DOI: 10.3390/v14040659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tocantins is a state in the cross-section between the Central-West, North and Northeast regions of Brazilian territory; it is a gathering point for travelers and transportation from the whole country. In this study, 9493 genome sequences, including 241 local SARS-CoV-2 samples (collected from 21 December 2020, to 16 December 2021, and sequenced in the MinION platform) were analyzed with the following aims: (i) identify the relative prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the state of Tocantins; (ii) analyze them phylogenetically against global SARS-CoV-2 sequences; and (iii) hypothesize the viral dispersal routes of the two most abundant lineages found in our study using phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches. The performed analysis demonstrated that the majority of the strains sequenced during the period belong to the Gamma P.1.7 (32.4%) lineage, followed by Delta AY.99.2 (27.8%), with the first detection of VOC Omicron. As expected, there was mainly a dispersion of P.1.7 from the state of São Paulo to Tocantins, with evidence of secondary spreads from Tocantins to Goiás, Mato Grosso, Amapá, and Pará. Rio de Janeiro was found to be the source of AY.99.2 and from then, multiple cluster transmission was observed across Brazilian states, especially São Paulo, Paraiba, Federal District, and Tocantins. These data show the importance of trade routes as pathways for the transportation of the virus from Southeast to Northern Brazil.
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12
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Gupta D, Sharma P, Singh M, Kumar M, Ethayathulla AS, Kaur P. Structural and functional insights into the spike protein mutations of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7967-7989. [PMID: 34731254 PMCID: PMC11073194 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the viral genome has constantly undergone rapid mutations for better adaptation in the host system. These newer mutations have given rise to several lineages/ variants of the virus that have resulted in high transmission and virulence rates compared to the previously circulating variants. Owing to this, the overall caseload and related mortality have tremendously increased globally to > 233 million infections and > 4.7 million deaths as of Sept. 28th, 2021. SARS-CoV-2, Spike (S) protein binds to host cells by recognizing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. The viral S protein contains S1 and S2 domains that constitute the binding and fusion machinery, respectively. Structural analysis of viral S protein reveals that the virus undergoes conformational flexibility and dynamicity to interact with the hACE2 receptor. The SARS-CoV-2 variants and mutations might be associated with affecting the conformational plasticity of S protein, potentially linked to its altered affinity, infectivity, and immunogenicity. This review focuses on the current circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the structure-function analysis of key S protein mutations linked with increased affinity, higher infectivity, enhanced transmission rates, and immune escape against this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mandeep Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - A S Ethayathulla
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Punit Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,, Delhi, 110029, India.
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Gularte JS, da Silva MS, Demoliner M, Hansen AW, Heldt FH, Silveira F, Filippi M, Pereira VMDAG, da Silva FP, Mallmann L, Fink P, Laux JL, Weber MN, de Almeida PR, Fleck JD, Spilki FR. Reinfection cases by closely related SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Southern Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:1881-1885. [PMID: 34562232 PMCID: PMC8475897 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic that started in late 2019 and still affects people's lives all over the world. Lack of protective immunity after primary infection has been involved with reported reinfection cases by SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we described two cases of reinfection caused by non-VOC (Variants of Concern) strains in southern Brazil, being one patient a healthcare worker. The four samples previously positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were sequenced by a high-performance platform and the genomic analysis confirmed that lineages responsible for infections were B.1.91 and B.1.1.33 (patient 1), and B.1.1.33 and B.1.1.28 (patient 2). The interval between the two positive RT-qPCR for patients 1 and 2 was 45 and 61 days, respectively. This data shows that patients may be reinfected even by very closely related SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Schons Gularte
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Soares da Silva
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Meriane Demoliner
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Alana Witt Hansen
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Fágner Henrique Heldt
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Flávio Silveira
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Micheli Filippi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Vyctoria Malayhka de Abreu Góes Pereira
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Francini Pereira da Silva
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Larissa Mallmann
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Pietra Fink
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Luísa Laux
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Matheus Nunes Weber
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Paula Rodrigues de Almeida
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Juliane Deise Fleck
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rosado Spilki
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade Feevale, Rodovia ERS-239, Nº 2755, Prédio Vermelho, Piso 1, sala 103, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 93525-075, Brazil
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14
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Varela APM, Prichula J, Mayer FQ, Salvato RS, Sant'Anna FH, Gregianini TS, Martins LG, Seixas A, Veiga ABGD. SARS-CoV-2 introduction and lineage dynamics across three epidemic peaks in Southern Brazil: massive spread of P.1. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 96:105144. [PMID: 34798321 PMCID: PMC8595253 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is paramount for understanding viral dynamics, contributing to disease control. This study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, including the first reported case in each Regional Health Coordination and cases from three epidemic peaks. Ninety SARS-CoV-2 genomes from RS were sequenced and analyzed through comparison with SARS-CoV-2 datasets available in GISAID for phylogenetic inference and mutation analysis. Among the first reported cases, we found the following lineages: B.1 (33.3%), B.1.1.28 (26.7%), B.1.1 (13.3%), B.1.1.33 (10.0%), and A (6.7%), evidencing SARS-CoV-2 introduction by both international origin and community-driven transmission. We found predominance of B.1.1.33 (50.0%) and B.1.1.28 (35.0%) during the first epidemic peak (July-August 2020), emergence of P.2 (55.6%) in the second peak (November-December 2020), and massive spread of P.1 and related sequences (78.4%), such as P.1-like-II, P.1.1 and P.1.2 in the third peak (February-April, 2021). Eighteen novel mutation combinations were found among P.1 genomes, and 22 different spike mutations and/or deletions among P.1 and related sequences. This study shows the dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Southern Brazil and describes SARS-CoV-2 diversity during three epidemic peaks, highlighting the spread of P.1 and the high genetic diversity of currently circulating lineages. Genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 is essential to guide health authorities' decisions to control COVID-19 in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Muterle Varela
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Janira Prichula
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Quoos Mayer
- Centro de Pesquisa Em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Departamento de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa Agropecuária, Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Estrada Do Conde, 6000, Sans Souci, 92990-000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Richard Steiner Salvato
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública, Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (LACEN/CEVS/SES-RS). Av. Ipiranga, 5400, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernando Hayashi Sant'Anna
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, PROADI - SUS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 910 - Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Schäffer Gregianini
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública, Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (LACEN/CEVS/SES-RS). Av. Ipiranga, 5400, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Letícia Garay Martins
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul - CEVS/SES-RS. Av. Ipiranga, 5400, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adriana Seixas
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Gorini da Veiga
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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15
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Grosche VR, Santos IA, Ferreira GM, Dutra JVR, Costa LC, Nicolau-Junior N, Queiroz ATL, José DP, Jardim ACG. Insights on the SARS-CoV-2 genome variability: the lesson learned in Brazil and its impacts on the future of pandemics. Microb Genom 2021; 7:000656. [PMID: 34730486 PMCID: PMC8743548 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 spread in Brazil, few studies have been published analysing the variability of viral genome. Herein, we described the dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Brazil from May to September 2020, to better understand viral changes that may affect the ongoing pandemic. Our data demonstrate that some of the mutations identified are currently observed in variants of interest and variants of concern, and emphasize the importance of studying previous periods in order to comprehend the emergence of new variants. From 720 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences, we found few sites under positive selection pressure, such as the D614G (98.5 %) in the spike, that has replaced the old variant; the V1167F in the spike (41 %), identified in the P.2 variant that emerged from Brazil during the period of analysis; and I292T (39 %) in the N protein. There were a few alterations in the UTRs, which was expected, however, our data suggest that the emergence of new variants was not influenced by mutations in UTR regions, since it maintained its conformational structure in most analysed sequences. In phylogenetic analysis, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from the large urban centres to the countryside during these months could be explained by the flexibilization of social isolation measures and also could be associated with possible new waves of infection. These results allow a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 strains that have circulated in Brazil, and thus, with relevant infomation, provide the potential viral changes that may have affected and/or contributed to the current and future scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victória Riquena Grosche
- São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Larissa Catharina Costa
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Artur Trancoso Lopo Queiroz
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Diego Pandeló José
- Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Campus Universitário Iturama, Iturama, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim
- São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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16
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Istifli ES, Netz PA, Sihoglu Tepe A, Sarikurkcu C, Tepe B. Understanding the molecular interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike mutants with ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:12760-12771. [PMID: 34495817 PMCID: PMC8442754 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1975569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Covid-19 is a viral disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 that spread worldwide and caused more than 4.3 million deaths. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 still continues to evolve, and specifically the E484K, N501Y, and South Africa triple (K417N + E484K + N501Y) spike protein mutants remain as the 'escape' phenotypes. The aim of this study was to compare the interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the E484K, N501Y and South Africa triple spike variants and ACE2 with the interaction between wild-type spike RBD-ACE2 and to show whether the obtained binding affinities and conformations corraborate clinical findings. The structures of the RBDs of the E484K, N501Y and South Africa triple variants were generated with DS Studio v16 and energetically minimized using the CHARMM22 force field. Protein-protein dockings were performed in the HADDOCK server and the obtained wild-type and mutant spike-ACE2 complexes were submitted to 200-ns molecular dynamics simulations with subsequent free energy calculations using GROMACS. Based on docking binding affinities and free energy calculations the E484K, N501Y and triple mutant variants were found to interact stronger with the ACE2 than the wild-type spike. Interestingly, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA results showed that E484K and spike triple mutant complexes were more stable than the N501Y one. Moreover, the E484K and South Africa triple mutants triggered greater conformational changes in the spike glycoprotein than N501Y. The E484K variant alone, or the combination of K417N + E484K + N501Y mutations induce significant conformational transitions in the spike glycoprotein, while increasing the spike-ACE2 binding affinity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Salih Istifli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Literature, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Paulo A. Netz
- Theoretical Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Arzuhan Sihoglu Tepe
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Vocational High School of Health Services, Kilis 7 Aralık University, Kilis, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Sarikurkcu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Bektas Tepe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Literature, Kilis 7 Aralik University, Kilis, Turkey
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17
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Franceschi VB, Caldana GD, Perin C, Horn A, Peter C, Cybis GB, Ferrareze PAG, Rotta LN, Cadegiani FA, Zimerman RA, Thompson CE. Predominance of the SARS-CoV-2 Lineage P.1 and Its Sublineage P.1.2 in Patients from the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil in March 2021. Pathogens 2021; 10:988. [PMID: 34451453 PMCID: PMC8402156 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost a year after the COVID-19 pandemic had begun, new lineages (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and B.1.617.2) associated with enhanced transmissibility, immunity evasion, and mortality were identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. The previous most prevalent lineages in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS, Southern Brazil), B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33, were rapidly replaced by P.1 and P.2, two B.1.1.28-derived lineages harboring the E484K mutation. To perform a genomic characterization from the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, we sequenced viral samples to: (i) identify the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the region, the state, and bordering countries/regions; (ii) characterize the mutation spectra; (iii) hypothesize viral dispersal routes by using phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches. We found that 96.4% of the samples belonged to the P.1 lineage and approximately 20% of them were assigned as the novel P.1.2, a P.1-derived sublineage harboring signature substitutions recently described in other Brazilian states and foreign countries. Moreover, sequences from this study were allocated in distinct branches of the P.1 phylogeny, suggesting multiple introductions in RS and placing this state as a potential diffusion core of P.1-derived clades and the emergence of P.1.2. It is uncertain whether the emergence of P.1.2 and other P.1 clades is related to clinical or epidemiological consequences. However, the clear signs of molecular diversity from the recently introduced P.1 warrant further genomic surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bonetti Franceschi
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Gabriel Dickin Caldana
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (G.D.C.); (P.A.G.F.); (L.N.R.)
| | - Christiano Perin
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Hospital da Brigada Militar, Porto Alegre 91900-590, RS, Brazil; (C.P.); (A.H.)
| | - Alexandre Horn
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Hospital da Brigada Militar, Porto Alegre 91900-590, RS, Brazil; (C.P.); (A.H.)
| | - Camila Peter
- Laboratório Exame, Novo Hamburgo 93510-250, RS, Brazil;
| | - Gabriela Bettella Cybis
- Department of Statistics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Patrícia Aline Gröhs Ferrareze
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (G.D.C.); (P.A.G.F.); (L.N.R.)
| | - Liane Nanci Rotta
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (G.D.C.); (P.A.G.F.); (L.N.R.)
| | | | - Ricardo Ariel Zimerman
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Hospital da Brigada Militar, Porto Alegre 91900-590, RS, Brazil; (C.P.); (A.H.)
| | - Claudia Elizabeth Thompson
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (G.D.C.); (P.A.G.F.); (L.N.R.)
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil
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18
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Franceschi VB, Ferrareze PAG, Zimerman RA, Cybis GB, Thompson CE. Mutation hotspots and spatiotemporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Brazil, February 2020-2021. Virus Res 2021; 304:198532. [PMID: 34363852 PMCID: PMC8654641 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has already reached more than 110 million people and is associated with 2.5 million deaths worldwide. Brazil is the third worst-hit country, with approximately 10.2 million cases and 250 thousand deaths. International efforts have been established to share information about Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemiology and evolution to support the development of effective strategies for public health and disease management. We aimed to analyze the high-quality genome sequences from Brazil from February 2020-2021 to identify mutation hotspots, geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages by using phylogenetics and phylodynamics analyses. We describe heterogeneous sequencing efforts, the progression of the different lineages along time, evaluating mutational spectra and frequency oscillations derived from the prevalence of specific lineages across different Brazilian regions. We found at least seven major (1–7) and two minor clades related to the six most prevalent lineages in the country and described its spatial distribution and dynamics. The emergence and recent frequency shift of lineages (P.1 and P.2) carrying mutations of concern in the spike protein (e. g., E484K, N501Y) draws attention due to their association with immune evasion and enhanced receptor binding affinity. Improvements in genomic surveillance are of paramount importance and should be extended in Brazil to better inform policy makers about better decisions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bonetti Franceschi
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aline Gröhs Ferrareze
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Ariel Zimerman
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Hospital da Brigada Militar, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Bettella Cybis
- Department of Statistics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudia Elizabeth Thompson
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM), Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 245/200C Sarmento Leite St, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil.
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