Main animal fat replacers for the manufacture of healthy processed meat products.

The technological, sensory, and nutritional characteristics of meat products are directly related to their animal fat content. Adding animal fat to meat products significantly influences their sensory properties, such as color, taste, and aroma. In addition, the physicochemical properties of fat decisively contribute to the texture of meat products, playing a fundamental role in improving the properties of viscosity, creaminess, chewiness, cohesiveness, and hardness. However, meat products' high animal fat content makes them detrimental to a healthy diet. Therefore, reducing the fat content of meat products is an urgent need, but it is a challenge for researchers and the meat industry. The fat reduction in meat products without compromising the product's quality and with minor impacts on the production costs is not a simple task. Thus, strategies to reduce the fat content of meat products should be studied with caution. During the last decades, several fat replacers were tested, but among all of them, the use of flours and fibers, hydrocolloids, mushrooms, and some animal proteins (such as whey and collagen) presented promising results. Additionally, multiple strategies to gel oils of vegetable origin are also a current topic of study, and these have certain advantages such as their appearance (attempts to imitate animal fat), while also improving the nutritional profile of the lipid fraction of the products meat. However, each of these fat substitutes has both advantages and limitations in their use, which will be discussed in subsequent sections. Therefore, due to the growing interest in this issue, this review focuses on the main substitutes for animal fat used in the production of meat products, offering detailed and updated information on the latest discoveries and advances in this area.

Genomic monitoring unveil the early detection of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 (beta) variant (20H/501Y.V2) in Brazil.

Sao Paulo State, currently experiences a second COVID-19 wave overwhelming the healthcare system. Due to the paucity of SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequencing, we established a Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants to rapidly understand and monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants into the state. Through analysis of 210 SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes obtained from the largest regional health departments we identified cocirculation of multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages such as B.1.1 (0.5%), B.1.1.28 (23.2%), B.1.1.7 (alpha variant, 6.2%), B.1.566 (1.4%), B.1.544 (0.5%), C.37 (0.5%) P.1 (gamma variant, 66.2%), and P.2 (zeta variant, 1.0%). Our analysis allowed also the detection, for the first time in Brazil, the South African B.1.351 (beta) variant of concern, B.1.351 (501Y.V2) (0.5%), characterized by the following mutations: ORF1ab: T265I, R724K, S1612L, K1655N, K3353R, SGF 3675_F3677del, P4715L, E5585D; spike: D80A, D215G, L242_L244del, A262D, K417N, E484K, N501Y, D614G, A701V, C1247F; ORF3a: Q57H, S171L, E: P71L; ORF7b: Y10F, N: T205I; ORF14: L52F. The most recent common ancestor of the identified strain was inferred to be mid-October to late December 2020. Our analysis demonstrated the P.1 lineage predominance and allowed the early detection of the South African strain for the first time in Brazil. We highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 active monitoring to ensure the rapid detection of potential variants for pandemic control and vaccination strategies. Highlights Identification of B.1.351 (beta) variant of concern in the Sao Paulo State. Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and interest in the Sao Paulo State. Mutational Profile of the circulating variants of concern and interest.

Influence of type, concentration, exposure time, temperature, and presence of organic load on the antifungal efficacy of industrial sanitizers against Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404).

Parameters such as type and concentration of the active compound, exposure time, application temperature, and organic load presence influence the antimicrobial action of sanitizers, although there is little data in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of different chemical sanitizers under different conditions according to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404) was exposed to four compounds (benzalkonium chloride, iodine, peracetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite) at two different concentrations (minimum and maximum described on the product label), different exposure times (5, 10, and 15 min), temperatures (10, 20, 30, and 40 °C), and the presence or absence of an organic load. All parameters, including the type of sanitizer, influenced the antifungal efficacy of the tested compounds. Peracetic acid and benzalkonium chloride were the best antifungal sanitizers. The efficacy of peracetic acid increased as temperatures rose, although the opposite effect was observed for benzalkonium chloride. Sodium hypochlorite was ineffective under all tested conditions. In general, 5 min of sanitizer exposure is not enough and >10 min are necessary for effective fungal inactivation. The presence of organic load reduced sanitizer efficacy in most of the tested situations, and when comparing the efficacy of each compound in the presence and absence of an organic load, a difference of up to 1.5 log CFU was observed. The lowest concentration recommended on the sanitizer label is ineffective for 99.9% fungal inactivation, even at the highest exposure time (15 min) or under the best conditions of temperature and organic load absence. Knowledge of the influence exerted by these parameters contributes to successful hygiene since the person responsible for the sanitization process in the food facility can select and apply a certain compound in the most favorable conditions for maximum antifungal efficacy.

Evaluation of nutritional, technological, oxidative, and sensory properties of low-sodium and phosphate-free mortadellas produced with bamboo fiber, pea protein, and mushroom powder.

This study examined the effects of replacing alkaline phosphate (AP) with bamboo fiber (BF), isolated pea protein (PP), and mushroom powder (MP) on the nutritional, technological, oxidative, and sensory characteristics of low-sodium mortadellas. Results indicated that this reformulation maintained the nutritional quality of the products. Natural substitutes were more effective than AP in reducing water and fat exudation. This led to decreased texture profile analysis (TPA) values such as hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. The reformulation reduced the L* values and increased the b* values, leading to color modifications rated from noticeable to appreciable according to the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) index. Despite minor changes in oxidative stability indicated by increased values in TBARS (from 0.19 to 0.33 mg MDA/kg), carbonyls (from 2.1 to 4.4 nmol carbonyl/mg protein), and the volatile compound profile, the sensory profile revealed a beneficial increase in salty taste, especially due to the inclusion of MP, which was enhanced by the synergy with BF and PP. In summary, the results confirmed the potential of natural alternatives to replace chemical additives in meat products. Incorporating natural antioxidants into future formulations could address the minor oxidation issues observed and enhance the applicability of this reformulation strategy.

Green technologies applied to low-NaCl fresh sausages production: Impact on oxidative stability, color formation, microbiological properties, volatile compounds, and sensory profile.

The influence of different concentrations of NaCl (2.5% and 1.75%), basic electrolyzed water (BEW), and ultrasound (US, 25 kHz, 159 W) on the quality of fresh sausages was studied. During storage at 5 °C, TBARS, pH, Eh, aw, nitrous pigments, and bacterial evolution were evaluated at three specific time intervals: 1d, 15d, and 30d. At the same time, the volatile compounds and sensory profile were specifically assessed on both the 1d and 30d. Notably, sausages with 1.75% NaCl and BEW displayed higher pH values (up to 6.30) and nitrous pigment formation, alongside reduced Eh (as low as 40.55 mV) and TBARS values (ranging from 0.016 to 0.134 mg MDA/kg sample), compared to the 2.5% NaCl variants. Protein content ranged between 13.01% and 13.75%, while lipid content was between 18.23% and 18.86%, consistent across all treatments. Psychrotrophic lactic bacteria showed a significant increase in low-NaCl sausages, ranging from 5.77 to 7.59 log CFU/g, indicative of potential preservative benefits. The sensory analysis favored the TUSBEW70 treatment for its salty flavor on the 30th day, reflecting a positive sensory acceptance. The study highlights that employing US and BEW in sausage preparation with reduced NaCl content (1.75%) maintains quality comparable to higher salt (2.5%) counterparts. These findings are crucial for meat processing, presenting a viable approach to producing healthier sausages with reduced sodium content without compromising quality, aligning with consumer health preferences and industry standards.

Elevating meat products: Unleashing novel gel techniques for enhancing lipid profiles.

Rising health concerns and the diet-health link drive demand for healthier foods, prompting meat manufacturers to reformulate traditional products. These manufacturers have reduced fat content to enhance nutritional quality, which is essential for maintaining desired product features. As a result, numerous strategies have emerged over recent decades to decrease fat and enhance the lipid profiles of meat products. Among these strategies, using hydrocolloids, emulsification, encapsulation, or gelation of oils to produce fat substitutes stands out. Using gels allows fat replacers with characteristics similar to animal fat (similar rheological, physical, or appearance properties) but with a much healthier lipid profile (by incorporating highly unsaturated oils). Therefore, this manuscript aims to comprehensively describe the main fat replacers used to prepare meat products. In addition, an in-depth review of the latest studies (2022-2023) that use novel gels to reform meat products has been made, indicating in each case the implications that the reformulation produces at a physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory level. Given the reported results, it seems clear that the strategy of using bigels or emulgels is very promising and allows obtaining nutritionally highly improved meat products without affecting their sensory or physicochemical properties. However, the best conditions to obtain a novel gel suitable for use as a fat substitute for each meat product still need to be studied and correctly defined. Moreover, these advancements can pave the way for more extensive studies on using novel gel techniques in other food industries, expanding their applicability and leading to healthier consumer options across various food categories.

Effect of Transglutaminase Treatment on the Structure and Sensory Properties of Rice- or Soy-Based Hybrid Sausages.

Partial substitution of meat with non-protein sources in hybrid meat products generally leads to a decrease in texture attributes and, consequently, in sensory acceptance. In this study, we investigated the effects of transglutaminase (TG) at two concentrations (0.25% and 0.5%) on the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of hybrid sausages formulated with concentrated soy or rice proteins. TG caused a reduction in the heat treatment yield of hybrid sausages, particularly those made with rice protein. pH and color parameters were marginally affected by TG addition. Texture parameters increased substantially with TG, although escalating the TG level from 0.25% to 0.5% did not result in a proportional improvement in texture parameters; in fact, for rice-based hybrid sausages, no difference was achieved for all attributes, while only cohesiveness and chewiness were improved for soy-based ones. TG enhanced the sensory attributes of soy-based hybrid sausages to a level comparable to control meat emulsion, as evidenced by ordinate preference score and projective mapping. Our findings suggest that TG is a viable strategy for enhancing texture and sensory parameters in hybrid sausages, particularly for plant proteins that exhibit greater compatibility with the meat matrix.

Hydrogelled emulsion from linseed oil and pea protein as a strategy to produce healthier pork burgers with high technological and sensory quality.

Hydrogelled emulsions (HEs) produced with linseed oil and different levels of pea protein (PP) (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) were used to replace 50% of animal fat in burgers. The effect of this lipid reformulation on the nutritional, technological, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory quality of the burgers was evaluated during their refrigerated storage (4 °C for 12 days). The reformulated burgers displayed a reduction of >40% in fat and an increase of up to 10% in protein content. Lipid reformulation also increased the PUFA/SFA ratio and reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio and the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices of the lipid fraction of the burgers. Including 5 and 10% of PP in the HEs made it possible to obtain burgers of high technological quality and with a sensory profile similar to full-fat products. PP was also efficient in reducing the increase in the lipid oxidation caused by the enrichment with n-3 PUFAs.

Replacing Animal Fat with Gels of Psyllium Fiber and Combined Linseed Oil-Psyllium Fiber in Salamis: Impacts on Technological, Nutritional, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties.

This study produced two gels: one solely using psyllium fiber (GP) and another combining this fiber with linseed oil (GL+P). Both gels replaced 15% and 30% of the animal fat content of salamis. The objective was to evaluate the impact of this lipid reformulation on the technological, nutritional, oxidative, and sensory properties of the salamis. The lipid reformulation did not alter the evolution of pH and lactic acid bacteria during processing. The addition of GL+P did not interfere with the product's drying process. However, replacing 30% of animal fat with the GP resulted in greater weight loss and a lower final Aw value. The lipid reformulation minimally affected the color of the salamis but significantly enhanced their nutritional profile. This improvement was marked by a decrease in fat content and an increase in protein. Specifically, in the samples with GL+P, there was a rise in linolenic acid content and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Adding GP did not affect the salamis' oxidative stability and sensory profile. However, substituting 30% of the animal fat with GL+P increased the TBARS values, and volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation hampered the products' sensory profiles. A reduction in these negative effects was observed when replacing 15% of the fat with GL+P, suggesting this to be the ideal dosage for balancing the nutritional benefits with maintaining the product's oxidative stability.

Jabuticaba peel extract and nisin: A promising combination for reducing sodium nitrite in Bologna-type sausages.

This study investigated the effect of a 50% reduction in sodium nitrite and the addition of nisin (200 mg/kg) and different concentrations (0, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) of jabuticaba peel extract (JPE) on the main attributes affected by this chemical additive in Bologna-type sausages. The modified treatments showed approximately 50% lower residual nitrite than the control throughout the storage (60 days at 4 °C). The proposed reformulation did not affect the color (L*, a*, and b*), and the ΔE values (< 2) demonstrated high color stability during storage. Physicochemical (TBARS and volatile compounds) and sensory analyses performed to evaluate oxidative stability indicated that JPE exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to sodium nitrite. The microbiological quality of the reformulated products was similar to the control, but further studies should be conducted to assess the effect of this reformulation strategy on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms impacted by nitrite.

Spontaneously growing fungi on the surface and processing areas of matured sheep ham and volatile compounds produced.

Raw ham is a dried and matured product traditionally made from pork leg, but other animals, such as sheep, can be used. The natural presence of bacteria and fungi in this product influences its characteristics throughout the process. This study analysed the fungal populations present during raw sheep hams' processing. Two types of products were developed: without and with the addition of seasonings. Mycological analyses were carried out from the ingredients, seasonings, facilities air, as well as on the surfaces of the hams and the air in the chamber throughout the maturation period (0, 45, 90, and 180 days) using 18 % dichloran glycerol agar and the data were submitted to Principal Component Analysis. Volatile compounds were evaluated at the end of the sheep ham manufacturing process through a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. At 45 days of aging, a more remarkable similarity was observed between the fungi present on the non-seasoned hams and those in the ripening chamber's air, while the seasoned hams showed a more evident relation with those fungi present in the spices. With time, the fungi in the air of the ripening chamber started to be influenced by Aspergillus ser. Aspergillus and Aspergillus ser. Rubri already installed in the seasoned hams at 45 days, and then it probably dispersed the non-seasoned ones due to the airborne spores, becoming the most prevalent in both treatments at 90 days. At the end of ripening, the mycobiota of both raw hams was composed mainly by xerophilic species of Aspergillus section Aspergillus. The total fungal count was 5.78 log CFU/cm2 for the non-seasoned and 7.19 log CFU/cm2 for the seasoned ones. A potentially ochratoxigenic Aspergillus ser. Circumdati was detected at the end of aging in raw, unseasoned hams. In conclusion, seasoning directly influences the species developing on the surface of seasoned hams throughout the ripening process, and indirectly affects the mycobiota of the non-seasoned hams when sharing the same ripening chamber. The presence of fungi in the matured sheep ham seems to contribute to the formation of volatile compounds, which are related to the sensory quality of these products.

Pea Protein Isolate as a Meat Substitute in Canned Pork Pâté: Nutritional, Technological, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties.

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing pork meat with pea protein isolate in canned pâtés at proportions ranging from 12.5% to 50%. The results indicated that protein reformulation did not significantly impact the protein content and lipid oxidation of the pâtés. Reformulated products exhibited a decrease in a∗ values and an increase in b∗ values. These color changes were also sensorially identified in the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) test, where the reformulated pâtés were associated with attributes such as 'yellow color' and 'unpleasant color', which were inversely related to product acceptance. The protein reformulation reduced the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness parameters of the pâtés. These textural changes were positively reflected in the CATA test, where the reformulated products were characterized by attributes like 'soft texture', 'pleasant texture', and 'good spreadability', which strongly correlated with higher consumer acceptance. Notably, pâtés with 37.5% and 50% substitutions of pork meat with pea protein showed acceptability levels comparable to the control, and those with up to a 25% substitution exhibited superior sensory acceptability. However, the color alteration suggests the need for future optimization, such as using natural colorants. In summary, the results of this study not only validate the feasibility of replacing pork meat with pea protein in pâtés but also offer valuable insights for future investigations to develop more innovative and sustainable meat products.

High-power ultrasound, micronized salt, and low KCl level: An effective strategy to reduce the NaCl content of Bologna-type sausages by 50.

This study evaluated the combination of high-power ultrasound (HPU), micronized salt (MS), and low KCl levels as a strategy to produce reduced sodium Bologna-type sausages. Samples with 50% NaCl reduction were produced with regular salt (RS) or MS and 0.5% KCl. The sausages were sonicated for 0 or 27 min in an ultrasonic bath (25 kHz, 60% amplitude, normal mode, 20 °C) immediately after filling. The sodium reformulation strategy was effective in compensating for the defects in the emulsion stability and texture profile caused by the NaCl reduction. Besides, the combination of HPU, MS, and KCl did not cause major impacts on the evolution of pH, Eh, and TBARS values of the sausages during storage (21 days at 4 °C). The use of MS and KCl also allowed a reduction by 50% of the NaCl content (< 42% Na; Na/K ratio: 1.2 to 1.3) of the samples without affecting the salty taste, which was enhanced by the HPU treatment.

Raspberry Extract as a Strategy to Improve the Oxidative Stability of Pork Burgers Enriched with Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Hydrogelled emulsions (HEs) of linseed oil and pea protein (PP) were produced with four levels (0, 5, 7.5, and 10%) of raspberry extract obtained by a green extraction technique (microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity-MHG). HEs were applied in burgers to replace 50% of pork backfat content. The products' technological, nutritional, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory properties were evaluated. Besides reducing the fat level by approximately 43%, the reformulation reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio to healthy levels, decreased the diameter reduction by 30%, and increased the cooking yield by 11%. Including 7.5 and 10% of raspberry extract in the HEs decreased the oxidative defects caused by the enrichment of the burgers with omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, the raspberry extract did not cause alterations in the mesophilic aerobic count and the burgers' sensory profile.

Dynamics of Early Establishment of SARS-CoV-2 VOC Omicron Lineages in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Brazil is one of the nations most affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The introduction and establishment of new virus variants can be related to an increase in cases and fatalities. The emergence of Omicron, the most modified SARS-CoV-2 variant, caused alarm for the public health of Brazil. In this study, we examined the effects of the Omicron introduction in Minas Gerais (MG), the second-most populous state of Brazil. A total of 430 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) samples from November 2021 to June 2022 from Belo Horizonte (BH) city were sequenced. These newly sequenced genomes comprise 72% of all previously available SARS-CoV-2 genomes for the city. Evolutionary analysis of novel viral genomes reveals that a great diversity of Omicron sublineages have circulated in BH, a pattern in-keeping with observations across Brazil more generally. Bayesian phylogeographic reconstructions indicate that this diversity is a product of a large number of international and national importations. As observed previously, São Paulo state is shown as a significant hub for viral spread throughout the country, contributing to around 70% of all viral Omicron introductions detected in MG.

Recent advances in the development of healthier meat products.

Meat products are an excellent source of high biological value proteins, in addition to the high content of minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. However, meat products contain compounds that can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to humans. In this sense, this chapter will address recent strategies to assist in the development of healthier meat products. The main advances about the reduction of sodium and animal fat in meat products will be presented. In addition, strategies to make the lipid profile of meat products more nutritionally advantageous for human health will also be discussed. Finally, the reduction of substances of safety concern in meat products will be addressed, including phosphates, nitrites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, as well as products from lipid and protein oxidation.

Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome in a female patient and related mechanisms.

Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) is characterized by neuropsychomotor developmental delay/intellectual disability, neurological impairment with a movement disorder, and an abnormal thyroid hormone profile. This disease is an X-linked disorder that mainly affects men. We described a female patient with a de novo variant in the SLC16A2 gene, a milder AHDS phenotype, and a skewed X chromosome inactivation profile. We discuss the mechanisms associated with the expression of the phenotypic characteristics in female patients, including SLC16A2 gene variants and cytogenomic alterations, as well as preferential inactivation of the normal X chromosome.

Effect of ultrasound application on the growth of S. xylosus inoculated in by-products from the poultry industry.

A wide variety of by-products are produced by the industry when animals are slaughtered. However, the proteins present in these by-products, are not being fully useable, in the elaboration of value-added products. Staphylococcus xylosus is commonly used as a starter culture in meat products subjected to ripening for a long period, as it produces proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes that improve the sensory quality of the products. Ultrasound (US) has been arousing interest in the meat industry, as it reduces processing time and also improves the technological and sensory quality of meat products. However, the stimulate effect of US on the growth of S. xylosus in by-products from the poultry industry is still unknown. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the stimulate effect of US on the growth of S. xylosus inoculated in by-products from the poultry industry. S. xylosus was inoculated (5.63 log CFU/g) in sterilized by-products from the poultry, which were then sonicated at 37 °C for 0, 15, 30, and 45 min according to the following parameters: frequencies of 130 and 35 kHz, amplitudes of 50% and 80% and normal and degas operating modes. The sonicated samples were incubated at 37 °C for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Soon after sonication, no stimulate effect of US was observed on the growth of S. xylosus. However, after 24 h of incubation, the samples sonicated for 15 and 30 min in normal mode, at 35 and 130 kHz, and amplitudes of 50 and 80% exhibited better stimulate effect at the growth S. xylosus counts (p < 0.01) when compared to the Control, with values of 8.23 and 7.77 log CFU/g, respectively. These results can be exploited to obtain new added-value products, having as raw material by-products from the poultry industry.

Effect of high-power ultrasound and bamboo fiber on the technological and oxidative properties of phosphate-free meat emulsions.

The combination of high-power ultrasound (HPU) and bamboo fiber (BF) was investigated as a strategy to produce phosphate-free meat emulsions. The samples were made with the addition of 0 and 0.25% of alkaline phosphate and 0, 2.5, and 5% BF. Immediately after filling, the samples were sonicated for 0 or 27 min at normal mode, 25 kHz, 60% amplitude, and 20 °C. The samples made with BF and without phosphate showed higher emulsion stability compared to the control made with phosphate. The addition of 2.5% BF effectively compensated for the texture changes due to the absence of phosphate. HPU improved the effect of BF on the texture of meat emulsions by increasing cohesiveness. No significant impact of HPU and BF was observed on the oxidative quality of the samples. However, the instrumental assays and the sensory evaluation demonstrated that the absence of phosphate increased the lipid oxidation of the samples from the beginning of storage.

Genomic epidemiology reveals the impact of national and international restrictions measures on the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Brazil.

Brazil has experienced some of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths globally and from May 2021 made Latin America a pandemic epicenter. Although SARS-CoV-2 established sustained transmission in Brazil early in the pandemic, important gaps remain in our understanding of virus transmission dynamics at the national scale. Here, we describe the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 using near-full genomes sampled from 27 Brazilian states and a bordering country - Paraguay. We show that the early stage of the pandemic in Brazil was characterised by the co-circulation of multiple viral lineages, linked to multiple importations predominantly from Europe, and subsequently characterized by large local transmission clusters. As the epidemic progressed under an absence of effective restriction measures, there was a local emergence and onward international spread of Variants of Concern (VOC) and Variants Under Monitoring (VUM), including Gamma (P.1) and Zeta (P.2). In addition, we provide a preliminary genomic overview of the epidemic in Paraguay, showing evidence of importation from Brazil. These data reinforce the usefulness and need for the implementation of widespread genomic surveillance in South America as a toolkit for pandemic monitoring that provides a means to follow the real-time spread of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with possible implications for public health and immunization strategies.