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Title: SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Rhode Island; May 2022 Update
BACKGROUND: Genomic surveillance allows identification of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. We provide an update on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Rhode Island (RI). METHODS: All publicly available SARS-CoV-2 RI sequences were retrieved from https://www.gisaid.org. Genomic analyses were conducted to identify variants of concern (VOC), variants being monitored (VBM), or non-VOC/non-VBM, and investigate their evolution. RESULTS: Overall, 17,340 SARS-CoV-2 RI sequences were available between 2/2020–5/2022 across five (globally recognized) major waves, including 1,462 (8%) sequences from 36 non VOC/non-VBM until 5/2021; 10,565 (61%) sequences from 8 VBM between 5/2021–12/2021, most commonly Delta; and 5,313 (31%) sequences from the VOC Omicron from 12/2021 onwards. Genomic analyses demonstrated 71 Delta and 44 Omicron sub-lineages, with occurrence of variant-defining mutations in other variants. CONCLUSION: Statewide SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance allows for continued characterization of circulating variants and monitoring of viral evolution, which inform the local health force and guide public health on mitigation efforts against COVID-19. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, variants, genomic sequencing, Rhode Island  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1655221
PAR ID:
10437673
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Rhode Island medical journal
Volume:
105
Issue:
6
ISSN:
2327-2228
Page Range / eLocation ID:
6-11
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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