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Mutations Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern, Benin, Early 2021
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 31, 2021
Summary
Intense severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in Africa may drive variant emergence. Benin-identified SARS-CoV-2 strains with variant mutations showed reduced neutralization by patient antibodies, highlighting the need for rapid African vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- High severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission rates in Africa pose a risk for the emergence of new viral variants.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Africa is crucial for global pandemic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Benin during early 2021.
- To assess the impact of mutations found in Benin-derived SARS-CoV-2 strains on viral neutralization by antibodies.
- To inform public health strategies regarding vaccination in Africa.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples collected in Benin.
- Phylogenetic analysis to identify distinct lineages.
- In vitro neutralization assays using antibodies from vaccinated individuals and COVID-19 patients against Benin-derived strains.
Main Results:
- Identification of 10 distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Benin.
- Several identified lineages harbored mutations commonly found in global variants of concern.
- Benin-derived SARS-CoV-2 strains were less efficiently neutralized by antibodies from convalescent patients compared to antibodies from vaccinees.
Conclusions:
- The findings underscore the potential for Africa to be a breeding ground for SARS-CoV-2 variants due to intense transmission.
- Accelerated vaccine rollout in Africa is critical to mitigate the risk of variant emergence and control the pandemic.
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