Tracking the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern in South Africa using wastewater-based epidemiology.
Sci Rep
; 12(1): 1182, 2022 01 21.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35064174
This study uses wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to rapidly and, through targeted surveillance, track the geographical distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha, Beta and Delta) within 24 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Western Cape of South Africa. Information obtained was used to identify the circulating variant of concern (VOC) within a population and retrospectively trace when the predominant variant was introduced. Genotyping analysis of SARS-CoV-2 showed that 50% of wastewater samples harbored signature mutations linked to the Beta variant before the third wave, with the Delta variant absent within the population. Over time, the prevalence of the beta variant decreased steadily. The onset of the third wave resulted in the Delta variant becoming the predominant variant, with a 100% prevalence supporting the theory that the Delta variant was driving the third wave. In silico molecular docking analysis showed that the signature mutations of the Delta variant increased binding to host proteins, suggesting a possible molecular mechanism that increased viral infectivity of the Delta variant.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vigilância Epidemiológica Baseada em Águas Residuárias
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article