Tracking the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in South Africa

Happi, Anise N.; Ugwu, Chinedu; Happi, Christian

doi:10.1038/s41591-021-01265-1

Cited by 30 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Since December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide, triggering one of the most challenging pandemics so far [ 1 , 2 ]. In the last months, several variants of this virus have been reported [ 3 , 4 ], some of which have raised additional concern due to increased transmissibility [ 5 ], higher rates of mortality [ 6 ], escape from immune system response [ 7 ], altered vaccine effectiveness [ 7 , 8 ] or failure in diagnosis tests [ 9 ]. These variants of concern (VOC) carry several genetic mutations, most of which are at the level of the spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), which plays a key role in triggering virus entry into the cell, by binding to the cell host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These variants of concern (VOC) carry several genetic mutations, most of which are at the level of the spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), which plays a key role in triggering virus entry into the cell, by binding to the cell host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor. To date, four VOC have been described, including B.1.1.7 (also referred to as 20I/N501Y.V1), first detected in the United Kingdom (UK) [ 3 ]; B.1.351 (20J/N501Y.V2), first identified in South Africa [ 4 ]; P.1 (20I/N501Y.V3), detected in Brazil; and B.1.617 (G/452R.V3), recently identified in India. The origin of these variants remains unclear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern in an Asymptomatic Dog in Spain

Barroso-Arévalo

Rivera

Domı́nguez

et al. 2021

Viruses

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Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets has been widely documented during the last year. Although the majority of reports suggested that dogs’ susceptibility to the infection is low, little is known about viral pathogenicity and transmissibility in the case of variants of concern, such as B.1.1.7 in this species. Here, as part of a large-scale study on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in pets in Spain, we have detected the B.1.1.7 variant of concern (VOC) in a dog whose owners were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The animal did not present any symptoms, but viral loads were high in the nasal and rectal swabs. In addition, viral isolation was possible from both swabs, demonstrating that the dog was shedding infectious virus. Seroconversion occurred 23 days after the first sampling. This study documents the first detection of B.1.1.7 VOC in a dog in Spain and emphasizes the importance of performing active surveillance and genomic investigation on infected animals.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern in an Asymptomatic Dog in Spain

Barroso-Arévalo

Rivera

Domı́nguez

et al. 2021

Viruses

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Some viral variants, such as the variant B.1.1.7, first identified in the United Kingdom, as well as variant B.1.351 and variant P.1, first identified in South African and in Brazilian travelers, respectively, seem to spread more efficiently and rapidly than other variants. Although there is no clear evidence for any impact on disease severity, enhanced transmission will lead to higher incidence, more hospital admissions and potentially more deaths [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Persons with asymptomatic infection (20–75% of COVID-19 cases, according to different studies) can also transmit the virus [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia

et al. 2021

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus with a pandemic spread. So far, a total of 349,910 SARS-CoV-2 cases and 7687 deaths were reported in Croatia. We analyzed the seroprevalence and neutralizing (NT) antibody response in the Croatian general population after the first (May–July 2020) and second (December 2020–February 2021) pandemic wave. Initial serological testing was performed using a commercial ELISA, with confirmation of reactive samples by a virus neutralization test (VNT). A significant difference in the overall seroprevalence rate was found after the first (ELISA 2.2%, VNT 0.2%) and second waves (ELISA 25.1%, VNT 18.7%). Seropositive individuals were detected in all age groups, with significant differences according to age. The lowest prevalence of NT antibodies was documented in the youngest (<10 years; 16.1%) and the oldest (60–69/70+ years; 16.0% and 12.8%, respectively) age groups. However, these age groups showed the highest median NT titers (32–64). In other groups, seropositivity varied from 19.3% to 21.5%. A significant weak positive correlation between binding antibody level as detected by ELISA and VNT titer (rho = 0.439, p < 0.001) was observed. SARS-CoV-2 NT antibody titers seem to be age-related, with the highest NT activity in children under 10 years and individuals above 50 years.

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“…The B.1.351 Lineage , first reported in South Africa in December 2020, this variant, also known as 20H/501Y.V2 carries a mutation (N501Y) in the spike protein’s RBD, which lead to increased transmission, with estimates ranging between 40% and 70%; K417N, which also aids the virus in binding to human cells more closely; and E484K, a mutation that may aid the virus in evading certain types of antibodies ( 84 ).…”

Section: Sars-cov-2 Variantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After spreading from South Africa into neighboring countries, it has expanded to at least 68 nations. Scientists are worried about the variant because clinical trials have shown that individuals who recover from other variants may not be protected against B.1.351 ( 84 ).…”

Section: Sars-cov-2 Variantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential Therapeutic Targets and Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Pandemic Management: A Review on the Recent Update

et al. 2021

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly pathogenic novel virus that has caused a massive pandemic called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. Wuhan, a city in China became the epicenter of the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019. The disease was declared a pandemic globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is a beta CoV of the Coronaviridae family which usually causes respiratory symptoms that resemble common cold. Multiple countries have experienced multiple waves of the disease and scientific experts are consistently working to find answers to several unresolved questions, with the aim to find the most suitable ways to contain the virus. Furthermore, potential therapeutic strategies and vaccine development for COVID-19 management are also considered. Currently, substantial efforts have been made to develop successful and safe treatments and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Some vaccines, such as inactivated vaccines, nucleic acid-based, and vector-based vaccines, have entered phase 3 clinical trials. Additionally, diverse small molecule drugs, peptides and antibodies are being developed to treat COVID-19. We present here an overview of the virus interaction with the host and environment and anti-CoV therapeutic strategies; including vaccines and other methodologies, designed for prophylaxis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection with the hope that this integrative analysis could help develop novel therapeutic approaches against COVID-19.

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Tracking the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in South Africa

Cited by 30 publications

References 4 publications

First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern in an Asymptomatic Dog in Spain

First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern in an Asymptomatic Dog in Spain

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia

Potential Therapeutic Targets and Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Pandemic Management: A Review on the Recent Update

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