Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Republic of Congo

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.036
• Publication Date: 2021-03-18T17:19:35Z
• Authors: Francine Ntoumi; Claujens Chastel ...; Alexandru Tomazatos; Srinivas Reddy Pa...; Le Thi Kieu Linh; Nicolas Casadei; Angel Angelov; Michael Sonnabend; Silke Peter; Peter G. Kremsner; Thirumalaisamy P....
• Keywords: Lineage (genetic)

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to carry out whole-genome sequencing (WGS) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), using samples collected from Congolese individuals between April and July 2020.MethodsNinety-six were screened for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, 19 with Ct values <30 sequenced Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). The genomes annotated mutations the web tool 'coronapp'. Subsequently, different lineages assigned PANGOLIN Nextclade.ResultsEleven successfully submitted GSAID database. All carried spike mutation D614G classified as part GH clade. sequences shown belong lineage B1 Nextclade 20A 20C, which split them into distinct clusters, indicating two separate introductions virus Republic Congo.ConclusionThis first provides valuable information on SARS CoV-2 transmission in central African region, contributing surveillance a temporal spatial scale.