Análise da variabilidade genômica de SARS-CoV-2 circulantes no estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in Wuhan-China, as the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since notified in São Paulo on 26th February 2020, more than 3,000,000 cases and 106,000 deaths were reported in Brazil. In the early epidemic phase, SARSCoV-2 spread locally, however, over time, this virus was disseminated to other regions of the country. Here we performed genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of SARSCoV-2 of 20 clinical samples of COVID-19 confirmed cases from 9 cities of MG, in order to evaluate the genetic characterization of circulating viral strains in the state from March to May 2020. Our analyses demonstrated the circulation of B.1 lineage isolates in the investigated locations and nucleotide substitutions were observed into the genomic regions related to important viral structures. Additionally, sequences generated in this study clustered with isolates from Sao Paulo state, suggesting a dissemination route between these 2 states. Alternatively, monophyletic groups of sequences from MG and other states or country were observed, indicating independent events of virus introduction. These results reinforce the need of genomic surveillance for understand the ongoing spread of the emerging viral pathogens.