SARS-CoV-2 mutations on diagnostic gene targets in the second wave in Zimbabwe: A retrospective genomic analysis.

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 continues to be a major issue in resource-limited settings, particularly owing to the limited supply of vaccinescaused by inequitable distribution.

OBJECTIVE

To monitor diagnostic gene targets to identify potential test failures caused by mutations, which is important for public health.

METHODS

Here we analysed the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 from the second wave in Zimbabwe. A total of 377 samples weresequenced at Quadram Institute Bioscience. After quality control, 192 sequences passed and were analysed.

RESULTS

The Beta variant was dominant during this period, contributing 77.6% (149) of the genomes sequenced and having a total of 2994mutations in diagnostic polymerase chain reaction target genes. Many single nucleotide polymorphism mutations resulted in amino acidsubstitution that had the potential to impact viral fitness by increasing the rate of transmission or evading the immune response to previousinfection or vaccination.

CONCLUSION

There were nine lineages circulating in Zimbabwe during the second wave. The B.1.351 was dominant, accounting for >75%.There were over 3 000 mutations on the diagnostic genes and lineage B.1.351, contributing almost two-thirds of the mutations. The S-genehad the most mutations and the E-gene was the least mutated.