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Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
Quantitative phylogenomic evidence reveals a spatially structured SARS-CoV-2 diversity
Leandro R Jones1, Julieta M Manrique1
1Laboratorio de Virología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, 9 de Julio y Belgrano s/n, (9100), Trelew, Chubut, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The study reveals that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome shows spatial structuring, with genetic changes linked to its global spread. This suggests geographic factors influenced the virus's evolution during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly spread globally.
- Understanding the genetic basis of viral dispersion is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial structuring of SARS-CoV-2 phylogeny.
- To explore the correlation between viral phylogeography and genetic mutations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genomes and protein sequences.
- Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses across continents.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant spatial structuring of SARS-CoV-2 phylogeny was identified.
- Phylogeographic patterns correlated with ancestral amino acid substitutions.
- Evidence suggests mutations emerged during colonization events.
Conclusions:
- Geographic structuring likely results from founder effects and local evolution post-dispersion.
- These findings may have implications for SARS-CoV-2 biology and evolution.
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