Emergence of two distinct SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variants and the rapid spread of P.1-like-II SARS-CoV-2 during the second wave of COVID-19 in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil

Abstract

COVID-19 has assumed significant and lasting proportions worldwide. Following initial cases in the Western mesoregion, the State of Santa Catarina (SC), southern Brazil, was heavily affected as a whole by the pandemic in early 2021. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading patterns in the SC state through March 2020 to April 2021 using genomic surveillance. During this period, 23 distinct variants, including two VOCs (Beta and Gamma) were identified, among which, the Gamma and related lineages were predominant in the second pandemic wave within SC. However, a regionalization of P.1-like-II in the Western region was observed, concomitant to the increase in cases, mortality, and case fatality rate (CFR) index. This is the first evidence of the regionalization of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the and highlight the importance of tracking variants, dispersion and their impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the public health system in Brazilian states.

Recapping the Features of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Main Variants: Status and Future Paths

“…While this variant has also extended to other countries, especially those in South and Center America, the Gamma variant has become endemic in Brazil, especially in the State of Amazonas, where different Gamma Plus variants have been evolving. These variants harbor additional S protein mutations, making them more transmissible than the parental P.1 [ 93 , 94 , 95 ].…”