SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants Identified in Selected Regions of Ethiopia Through Whole Genome Sequencing: Insights from the Fifth Wave of COVID-19.

IF 2.8 3区生物学 Q2 GENETICS & HEREDITY

Genes Pub Date : 2025-03-18 DOI:10.3390/genes16030351

Getnet Hailu, Mengistu Legesse, Andargachew Mulu, Girmay Medhin, Mesfin Mengesha Tsegaye, Dawit Hailu Alemayehu, Abaysew Ayele, Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier, Adamu Tayachew, Adimkewu Aguine, Haileyesus Dejene, Sofonias K Tessema, Harris Onywera, Assohoun Egomli Stanislas, Ebba Abate, Alessandro Marcello, Molalegne Bitew

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased transmissibility and immune evasion. In Ethiopia, where cases surged, the understanding of the virus's dynamics was limited. This study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 variants during the fifth wave, crucial for guiding vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and understanding disease severity.

Method: From June to August 2022, 150 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples were randomly selected from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute repository. Sixty-three high-quality genome sequences were analyzed.

Results: Of the 63 sequences, 70% were from males and 30% from females, with a median age of 34. Omicron dominated (97%, 61/63), primarily clade 22A (64%, 40/63), followed by 22B (18%, 11/63) and 21K (14%, 9/63). Delta accounted for 3.2% (2/63). Omicron was identified in all (25) vaccinated study participants. Ethiopian sequences showed limited evolutionary divergence and lower genetic diversity compared to global sequences.

Conclusion: Omicron was the predominant variant during Ethiopia's fifth wave, indicating recent community transmission. Despite minor genetic diversity differences, ongoing surveillance remains critical for tracking variants and informing public health interventions.

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来源期刊

Genes GENETICS & HEREDITY-

CiteScore

5.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

1975

审稿时长

22.94 days

期刊介绍： Genes (ISSN 2073-4425) is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal which provides an advanced forum for studies related to genes, genetics and genomics. It publishes reviews, research articles, communications and technical notes. There is no restriction on the length of the papers and we encourage scientists to publish their results in as much detail as possible.