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Overview of the SARS-CoV-2 genotypes circulating in Latin America during 2021
Jose Arturo Molina-Mora1, Jhonnatan Reales-González2, Erwin Camacho3
1Centro de investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Frontiers in Public Health
|March 20, 2023
Summary
Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Latin America revealed diverse viral lineages, including variants of concern like Gamma and Mu. This study highlights local sequencing capabilities and pandemic dynamics across seven countries.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Latin America experienced a significant COVID-19 impact with over 72 million infections and 1.6 million deaths by June 2022.
- Ecological diversity and social inequalities in the region necessitate genomic pattern identification for effective pandemic management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Latin America.
- To sequence and analyze viral genomes from seven Latin American countries, contributing to a better understanding of pandemic dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing and analysis of 1,534 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from COVID-19 patients across Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru.
- Analysis of viral genomes circulating in Latin America during 2021, including data from the GISAID database.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated local laboratory and bioinformatics capacity for pathogen genomic surveillance.
- Identified patterns of multiple re-introductions, increased mutation frequency, and country-specific enrichment of variants like Gamma, Mu, and Lambda.
- Observed that SARS-CoV-2 genomic patterns align with global trends, despite a relatively low percentage of sequenced samples.
Conclusions:
- This study significantly contributes to understanding COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in Latin America.
- Reinforces the importance of timely genomic surveillance for effective public health responses.
- Highlights the success of local genomic surveillance efforts in the region.
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