SARS-CoV-2 Variant Determination Through SNP Assays in Samples From Industry Workers From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, continues to pose a global health threat due to viral evolution and emergence of new variants.
• High viral replication rates contribute to mutations, necessitating ongoing surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• Mass testing programs are vital for monitoring viral circulation and informing public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the circulation and prevalence of identified SARS-CoV-2 variants in Rio de Janeiro State.
• To analyze samples from industry workers tested between September 2020 and May 2021 for specific mutations indicative of variants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of samples from an industry worker cohort.
• Utilized a mutation panel for SARS-CoV-2 variant identification.
• Data collected from a mass COVID-19 testing program.

Main Results:

• The Zeta variant (VOI) was detected from October 2020, peaking at 87% prevalence in February 2021.
• The Gamma variant (VOC) emerged in January 2021 and became dominant by May 2021.
• Alpha variant (VOC) was detected at low levels (4-7%), while Beta (VOC) was not detected.

Conclusions:

• Findings align with genomic surveillance data, confirming the dynamic circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Rio de Janeiro.
• Highlights the importance of continuous mass testing and variant detection for effective pandemic control.
• Supports the need for ongoing surveillance to guide public health interventions against evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains.