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The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Adekunle Sanyaolu1, Chuku Okorie2, Aleksandra Marinkovic3
1Federal Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health, New Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease
|July 2, 2021
Summary
The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to the emergence of new, highly transmissible variants globally. This review identifies evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains and their disease implications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 triggered a global pandemic, causing widespread severe respiratory infections and mortality.
- Rapid global spread necessitated worldwide lockdowns in 2020, overwhelming healthcare systems.
- New SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased infectivity and transmissibility have been reported worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and report on currently evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- To analyze the disease implications associated with these emerging viral strains.
- To provide an updated understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications and reports.
- Identification of key SARS-CoV-2 mutations and lineages (e.g., N501Y, D614G).
- Analysis of variant emergence in specific geographic regions (UK, South Africa, Brazil, India).
Main Results:
- Several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have emerged, originating from various countries.
- Mutations such as N501Y, D614G, N439K, and Y453F are associated with these variants.
- Globally dominant clades include 20A, 20B, and 20C, reflecting viral evolution patterns.
Conclusions:
- Continuous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 evolution is crucial.
- Understanding variant characteristics is essential for public health strategies.
- Emerging variants pose ongoing challenges to pandemic control efforts.
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