This study reports on genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Uganda from March 2020 to January 2021. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the emergence and spread of lineage A.23.1, which became dominant by January 2021. A.23.1 contains spike protein changes similar to Variants of Concern (VOCs), including alterations in the furin cleavage site and N-terminal domain. Changes were also observed in non-spike proteins (nsp6, ORF8, ORF9). While the clinical impact remains unclear and A.23.1 isn't designated a VOC, the authors advise careful monitoring and assessment of its impact on vaccine efficacy.
Publisher
Nature Microbiology
Published On
Jun 23, 2021
Authors
Daniel Lule Bugembe, My V. T. Phan, Isaac Ssewanyana, Patrick Semanda, Hellen Nansumba, Beatrice Dhaala, Susan Nabadda, Áine Niamh O’Toole, Andrew Rambaut, Pontiano Kaleebu, Matthew Cotten
Tags
SARS-CoV-2
genomic surveillance
Uganda
lineage A.23.1
vaccine efficacy
phylogenetic analysis
Variants of Concern
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