One Year of SARS-CoV-2: Genomic Characterization of COVID-19 Outbreak in Qatar.

Qatar, a country with a strong health system and a diverse population consisting mainly of expatriate residents, has experienced two large waves of COVID-19 outbreak. In this study, we report on 2634 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from infected patients in Qatar between March-2020 and March-2021, representing 1.5% of all positive cases in this period. Despite the restrictions on international travel, the viruses sampled from the populace of Qatar mirrored nearly the entire global population's genomic diversity with nine predominant viral lineages that were sustained by local transmission chains and the emergence of mutations that are likely to have originated in Qatar. We reported an increased number of mutations and deletions in B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 lineages in a short period. These findings raise the imperative need to continue the ongoing genomic surveillance that has been an integral part of the national response to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 profile and re-emergence in Qatar.

Platforms Exploited for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development.

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the only zoonotic-origin coronavirus (CoV) that has reached the pandemic stage. The virus uses its spike (S) glycoprotein to attach to the host cells and initiate a cascade of events that leads to infection. It has sternly affected public health, economy, education, and social behavior around the world. Several scientific and medical communities have mounted concerted efforts to limit this pandemic and the subsequent wave of viral spread by developing preventative and potential vaccines. So far, no medicine or vaccine has been approved to prevent or treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review describes the latest advances in the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans, mainly focusing on the lead candidates in clinical trials. Moreover, we seek to provide both the advantages and the disadvantages of the leading platforms used in current vaccine development, based on past vaccine delivery efforts for non-SARS CoV-2 infections. We also highlight the population groups who should receive a vaccine against COVID-19 in a timely manner to eradicate the pandemic rapidly.

Platforms Exploited for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the only zoonotic-origin coronavirus (CoV) that has reached the pandemic stage. The virus uses its spike (S) glycoprotein to attach to the host cells and initiate a cascade of events that leads to infection. It has sternly affected public health, economy, education, and social behavior around the world. Several scientific and medical communities have mounted concerted efforts to limit this pandemic and the subsequent wave of viral spread by developing preventative and potential vaccines. So far, no medicine or vaccine has been approved to prevent or treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review describes the latest advances in the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans, mainly focusing on the lead candidates in clinical trials. Moreover, we seek to provide both the advantages and the disadvantages of the leading platforms used in current vaccine development, based on past vaccine delivery efforts for non-SARS CoV-2 infections. We also highlight the population groups who should receive a vaccine against COVID-19 in a timely manner to eradicate the pandemic rapidly.