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Genomic surveillance enables the identification of co-infections with multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages in equatorial Guinea
JournalArticle (Originalarbeit in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift)
ID
4651628
Author(s)
Hosch, S.; Mpina, M.; Nyakurungu, E.; Silochi Borico, N.; Obama, T. M. A.; Ovona, M. C.; Wagner, P.; Rubin, S. E.; Vickos, U.; Milang, D. V. N.; Ondo'o Ayekaba, M.; Phiri, W. P.; Daubenberger, C. A.; Schindler, T.
COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 represents an ongoing global public health emergency. Rapid identification of emergence, evolution, and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) would enable timely and tailored responses by public health decision-making bodies. Yet, global disparities in current SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance activities reveal serious geographical gaps. Here, we discuss the experiences and lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 monitoring and surveillance program at the Public Health Laboratory on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea that was implemented as part of the national COVID-19 response and monitoring activities. We report how three distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants have dominated the epidemiological situation in Equatorial Guinea since March 2020. In addition, a case of co-infection of two SARS-CoV-2 VOC, Beta and Delta, in a clinically asymptomatic and fully COVID-19 vaccinated man living in Equatorial Guinea is presented. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a person co-infected with Beta and Delta VOC globally. Rapid identification of co-infections is relevant since these might provide an opportunity for genetic recombination resulting in emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages with enhanced transmission or immune evasion potential.
