Emergence of the First Strains of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.1.7 in Romania: Genomic Analysis.

Andrei Lobiuc,Olga Sturdza,Mihai Dimian,Mihai Covasa,Roxana Filip

doi:10.2196/28049

Andrei Lobiuc, Olga Sturdza + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2196/28049

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Journal: JMIRx med	Publication Date: Aug 13, 2021
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava

Abstract

BackgroundThe United Kingdom reported the emergence of a new and highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.7) that rapidly spread to other countries. The impact of this new mutation—which occurs in the S protein—on infectivity, virulence, and current vaccine effectiveness is still under evaluation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to sequence SARS-CoV-2 samples of cases in Romania to detect the B.1.1.7 variant and compare these samples with sequences submitted to GISAID.MethodsSARS-CoV-2 samples were sequenced and amino acid substitution analysis was performed using the CoV-GLUE platform.ResultsWe have identified the first cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in samples collected from Romanian patients, of which one was traced to the region of the United Kingdom where the new variant was originally sequenced. Mutations in nonstructural protein 3 (Nsp3; N844S and D455N) and ORF3a (L15F) were also detected, indicating common ancestry with UK strains as well as remote connections with strains from Nagasaki, Japan.ConclusionsThese results indicate, for the first time, the presence and characteristics of the new variant B.1.1.7 in Romania and underscore the need for increased genomic sequencing in patients with confirmed COVID-19.

Highlights

MethodsA new SARS-CoV-2 variant, with an N-Y substitution in the 501 position of the spike (S) protein, was detected in the United Kingdom in the fall of 2020
Considering when B.1.1.7 was identified in Europe, its faster transmission compared to earlier strains, and the lack of genomic sequencing in Romania, there exists the possibility that the new variant is far more widespread in Romania than confirmed
We report the identification of the new B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant in Romania and present its characteristics in sequenced genome samples with the aim of enabling further comparison of transmission

Summary

Introduction

A new SARS-CoV-2 variant, with an N-Y substitution in the 501 position of the spike (S) protein, was detected in the United Kingdom in the fall of 2020. On January 8, 2021, Romania confirmed the first case of COVID-19 infection with the new strain, in a patient from Giurgiu (in South-East Romania) without a history of travel to the United Kingdom or contact with individuals from the United Kingdom.

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