Optimization data for an ARTIC-/Illumina-based whole-genome sequencing protocol and pipeline for SARS-CoV-2 analysis

In January 2021, Germany commenced surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants under the Corona Surveillance Act, which ceased in July 2023. The objective was to bolster pandemic control, as specific alterations in amino acids, particularly within the spike protein, were linked to heightened transmission and decreased vaccine effectiveness. Consequently, our team conducted whole genome sequencing using the commercially accessible ARTIC protocol on Illumina's NextSeq500 platform and MiSeq for SARS-CoV-2 positive samples obtained from patients at Heidelberg University Hospital, affiliated hospitals, and the public health office in the Rhine-Neckar/Heidelberg region. Throughout the pandemic, we refined the existing ARTIC V4 protocol as well as our bioinformatics pipeline, the details of which are outlined in this report. This report reflects the protocol for the MiSeq analysis, the protocol for the NextSeq500 can be found in our previous publication.