scholarly journals Detection and whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 and B.1.351 variants of concern from Pakistan during the COVID-19 third wave

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massab Umair ◽  
Aamer Ikram ◽  
Muhammad Salman ◽  
Nazish Badar ◽  
Syed Adnan Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
Azad Kashmir

The viral lineages reflecting variants of concern have emerged worldwide and among them B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1351 (Beta) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants are the most significant ones and merit close monitoring. In Pakistan, very limited information is available on the circulation of these variants and only the alpha variant has been reported as the main circulating lineage. The objective of this study was to detect and explore the genomic diversity of B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 during the third wave in the indigenous population. During the current study, a total of 2274 samples were tested on real-time PCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 from May 14 to May 31, 2021, and among these, 17% were spike positive, whereas 83% of samples had the spike gene target failure (SGTF). From these spike positive samples, 22 samples were processed for whole-genome sequencing. Among VOCs, 45.5% (n=10) belonged to B.1.351 followed by B.1.617.2, 36% (n=8). The delta variant cases were reported mostly from Islamabad (n = 5; 63%) followed by Peshawar and Azad Kashmir (n = 1; 13% each). Beta variant cases originated from Islamabad (n=5; 56%), Peshawar (n=2; 22%), Azad Kashmir and Rawalpindi (n=1; 11% each). The mutation profile of delta variant isolates reported significant mutations, L452R, T478K, P681R, and D950N. The beta variant isolates reported characteristic mutations, D215G, K417N, E484K, N501Y, and A701V. Notably, a characteristic mutation, E484Q was also found in delta variant, B.1.617.2. Our current findings suggest detection of these VOCs from the local population and warrants large-scale genomic surveillance in the country. In addition, it provides timely information to the health authorities to take appropriate actions.

scholarly journals Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 reveals the detection of G614 variant in Pakistan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248371
Author(s):  
Massab Umair ◽  
Aamer Ikram ◽  
Muhammad Salman ◽  
Adnan Khurshid ◽  
Masroor Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Whole Genome Analysis ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Genomic Characterization ◽  
Amino Acid Mutations

Since its emergence in China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide including Pakistan. During the pandemic, whole genome sequencing has played an important role in understanding the evolution and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2. Although an unprecedented number of SARS-CoV-2 full genomes have been submitted in GISAID and NCBI, data from Pakistan is scarce. We report the sequencing, genomic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of five SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated from patients in Pakistan. The oropharyngeal swabs of patients that were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 through real-time RT-PCR at National Institute of Health, Pakistan, were selected for whole-genome sequencing. Sequencing was performed using NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA Library Prep kit for Illumina (NEW ENGLAND BioLabs Inc., MA, US) and Illumina iSeq 100 instrument (Illumina, San Diego, US). Based on whole-genome analysis, three Pakistani SARS-CoV-2 strains clustered into the 20A (GH) clade along with the strains from Oman, Slovakia, United States, and Pakistani strain EPI_ISL_513925. The two 19B (S)-clade strains were closely related to viruses from India and Oman. Overall, twenty-nine amino acid mutations were detected in the current study genome sequences, including fifteen missense and four novel mutations. Notably, we have found a D614G (aspartic acid to glycine) mutation in spike protein of the sequences from the GH clade. The G614 variant carrying the characteristic D614G mutation has been shown to be more infectious that lead to its rapid spread worldwide. This report highlights the detection of GH and S clade strains and G614 variant from Pakistan warranting large-scale whole-genome sequencing of strains prevalent in different regions to understand virus evolution and to explore their genetic diversity.

0306 Exploring the feasibility of using copy number variants as genetic markers through large-scale whole genome sequencing experiments

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (suppl_5) ◽  
pp. 146-146
Author(s):  
D. M. Bickhart ◽  
L. Xu ◽  
J. L. Hutchison ◽  
J. B. Cole ◽  
D. J. Null ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genetic Markers ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Copy Number Variants ◽  
Whole Genome

scholarly journals Assessing genomic diversity and signatures of selection in Jiaxian Red cattle using whole-genome sequencing data

BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoting Xia ◽  
Shunjin Zhang ◽  
Huaju Zhang ◽  
Zijing Zhang ◽  
Ningbo Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genomic Variation ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
System Response ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Population Structure Analysis ◽  
Native Cattle ◽  
Genomic Regions

Abstract Background Native cattle breeds are an important source of genetic variation because they might carry alleles that enable them to adapt to local environment and tough feeding conditions. Jiaxian Red, a Chinese native cattle breed, is reported to have originated from crossbreeding between taurine and indicine cattle; their history as a draft and meat animal dates back at least 30 years. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 30 animals from the core breeding farm, we investigated the genetic diversity, population structure and genomic regions under selection of Jiaxian Red cattle. Furthermore, we used 131 published genomes of world-wide cattle to characterize the genomic variation of Jiaxian Red cattle. Results The population structure analysis revealed that Jiaxian Red cattle harboured the ancestry with East Asian taurine (0.493), Chinese indicine (0.379), European taurine (0.095) and Indian indicine (0.033). Three methods (nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium decay and runs of homozygosity) implied the relatively high genomic diversity in Jiaxian Red cattle. We used θπ, CLR, FST and XP-EHH methods to look for the candidate signatures of positive selection in Jiaxian Red cattle. A total number of 171 (θπ and CLR) and 17 (FST and XP-EHH) shared genes were identified using different detection strategies. Functional annotation analysis revealed that these genes are potentially responsible for growth and feed efficiency (CCSER1), meat quality traits (ROCK2, PPP1R12A, CYB5R4, EYA3, PHACTR1), fertility (RFX4, SRD5A2) and immune system response (SLAMF1, CD84 and SLAMF6). Conclusion We provide a comprehensive overview of sequence variations in Jiaxian Red cattle genomes. Selection signatures were detected in genomic regions that are possibly related to economically important traits in Jiaxian Red cattle. We observed a high level of genomic diversity and low inbreeding in Jiaxian Red cattle. These results provide a basis for further resource protection and breeding improvement of this breed.

scholarly journals Rapid Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in Southern Italy (December 2020–March 2021)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4766
Author(s):  
Daniela Loconsole ◽  
Francesca Centrone ◽  
Caterina Morcavallo ◽  
Silvia Campanella ◽  
Anna Sallustio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
The Third ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions ◽  
Over Time

Epidemiological and virological studies have revealed that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are emerging globally, including in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread of B.1.1.7-lineage SARS-CoV-2 in southern Italy from December 2020–March 2021 through the detection of the S gene target failure (SGTF), which could be considered a robust proxy of VOC B.1.1.7. SGTF was assessed on 3075 samples from week 52/2020 to week 10/2021. A subset of positive samples identified in the Apulia region during the study period was subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A descriptive and statistical analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases according to SGTF status was performed. Overall, 20.2% of samples showed SGTF; 155 strains were confirmed as VOC 202012/01 by WGS. The proportion of SGTF-positive samples rapidly increased over time, reaching 69.2% in week 10/2021. SGTF-positive cases were more likely to be symptomatic and to result in hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Despite the implementation of large-scale non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as the closure of schools and local lockdowns, a rapid spread of VOC 202012/01 was observed in southern Italy. Strengthened NPIs and rapid vaccine deployment, first among priority groups and then among the general population, are crucial both to contain the spread of VOC 202012/01 and to flatten the curve of the third wave.

scholarly journals Improving tuberculosis surveillance by detecting international transmission using publicly available whole-genome sequencing data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Sanchini ◽  
Christine Jandrasits ◽  
Julius Tembrockhaus ◽  
Thomas Andreas Kohl ◽  
Christian Utpatel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing Data ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
International Transmission ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Dataset ◽  
Public Repositories

AbstractIntroductionImproving the surveillance of tuberculosis (TB) is especially important for multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB. The large amount of publicly available whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data for TB gives us the chance to re-use data and to perform additional analysis at a large scale.AimWe assessed the usefulness of raw WGS data of global MDR/XDR-TB isolates available from public repositories to improve TB surveillance.MethodsWe extracted raw WGS data and the related metadata of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates available from the Sequence Read Archive. We compared this public dataset with WGS data and metadata of 131 MDR- and XDR-TB isolates from Germany in 2012-2013.ResultsWe aggregated a dataset that includes 1,081 MDR and 250 XDR isolates among which we identified 133 molecular clusters. In 16 clusters, the isolates were from at least two different countries. For example, cluster2 included 56 MDR/XDR isolates from Moldova, Georgia, and Germany. By comparing the WGS data from Germany and the public dataset, we found that 11 clusters contained at least one isolate from Germany and at least one isolate from another country. We could, therefore, connect TB cases despite missing epidemiological information.ConclusionWe demonstrated the added value of using WGS raw data from public repositories to contribute to TB surveillance. By comparing the German and the public dataset, we identified potential international transmission events. Thus, using this approach might support the interpretation of national surveillance results in an international context.

scholarly journals Genomic Surveillance and Phylodynamic Analyses Reveal the Emergence of Novel Mutations and Co-mutation Patterns Within SARS-CoV-2 Variants Prevalent in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nupur Biswas ◽  
Priyanka Mallick ◽  
Sujay Krishna Maity ◽  
Debaleena Bhowmik ◽  
Arpita Ghosh Mitra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Time Course ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Viral Population ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Novel Mutations ◽  
Frequent Mutations ◽  
Time Periods

Identification of the genomic diversity and the phylodynamic profiles of prevalent variants is critical to understand the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 54 SARS-CoV-2 variants collected from COVID-19 patients in Kolkata, West Bengal during August–October 2020. Phylogeographic and phylodynamic analyses were performed using these 54 and other sequences from India and abroad that are available in the GISAID database. We estimated the clade dynamics of the Indian variants and compared the clade-specific mutations and the co-mutation patterns across states and union territories of India over the time course. Frequent mutations and co-mutations observed within the major clades across time periods do not show much overlap, indicating the emergence of newer mutations in the viral population prevailing in the country. Furthermore, we explored the possible association of specific mutations and co-mutations with the infection outcomes manifested in Indian patients.

scholarly journals Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals a Prolonged and Persistent Intrahospital Transmission of Corynebacterium striatum, an Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuebing Wang ◽  
Haijian Zhou ◽  
Dongke Chen ◽  
Pengcheng Du ◽  
Ruiting Lan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistance Rate ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Corynebacterium Striatum

ABSTRACT Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen that occurs primarily among immunocompromised and chronically ill patients. However, little is known about the genomic diversity of C. striatum, which contributes to its long-term persistence and transmission in hospitals. In this study, a total of 192 C. striatum isolates obtained from 14 September 2017 to 29 March 2018 in a hospital in Beijing, China, were analyzed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 91 isolates. Nearly all isolates (96.3%, 183/190) were MDR. The highest resistance rate was observed for ciprofloxacin (99.0%, 190/192), followed by cefotaxime (90.6%, 174/192) and erythromycin (89.1%, 171/192). PFGE separated the 192 isolates into 79 pulsotypes, and differences in core genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) partitioned the 91 isolates sequenced into four clades. Isolates of the same pulsotype were identical or nearly identical at the genome level, with some exceptions. Two dominant subclones, clade 3a, and clade 4a, were responsible for the hospital-wide dissemination. Genomic analysis further revealed nine resistance genes mobilized by eight unique cassettes. PFGE and whole-genome sequencing revealed that the C. striatum isolates studied were the result mainly of predominant clones spreading in the hospital. C. striatum isolates in the hospital progressively acquired resistance to antimicrobial agents, demonstrating that isolates of C. striatum may adapt rapidly through the acquisition and accumulation of resistance genes and thus evolve into dominant and persistent clones. These insights will be useful for the prevention of C. striatum infection in hospitals.

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