Detection of the novel SARS-CoV-2 European lineage B.1.177 in Ontario, Canada

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2021.100010
• Publication Date: 2021-03-23T10:10:32Z
• Authors: Jennifer L. Guthrie; Sarah Teatero; Sandra Zittermann; Yao Chen; Ashleigh Sullivan; Heather Rilkoff; Esha Joshi; Karthikeyan Sivar...; Richard de Borja; Yogi Sundaravadanam; Michael Laszloffy; Lawrence Heisler; Vanessa G. Allen; Jared T. Simpson; Nahuel Fittipaldi
• Keywords: Lineage (genetic); Pandemic; Pangolin; Public health surveillance

Travel-related dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 continues to contribute the global pandemic. A novel lineage (B.1.177) reportedly arose in Spain summer 2020, with subsequent spread across Europe linked travel by infected individuals. Surveillance and monitoring through use whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers insights into local movement pathogens such as can detect introductions variants.We analysed genomes sequenced for surveillance purposes from specimens received Public Health Ontario (Sept 6 - Oct 10, 2020), collected individuals eastern Ontario, which comprised study sample. Taxonomic lineages were identified using pangolin (v2.08) phylogenetic analysis incorporated publicly available covering same time period Epidemiological data laboratory requisitions standard reportable disease case investigation was integrated analysis.Genomic a COVID-19 B.1.177 an individual late September, 2020. The had recently returned Europe. Genomic indicate most closely related this specimen Southern did not identify further cases lineage.Genomic allowed early detection deemed be related. This type genomic-based is key tool measure effectiveness public health measures mandatory self-isolation travellers, aimed at preventing onward transmission newly introduced SARS-CoV-2.