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Published on 08/27/2020

COVID-19 Genomics and Precision Public Health Weekly Update Content

Pathogen and Human Genomics Studies

  • Genomic epidemiology reveals transmission patterns and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Aotearoa New Zealand
    JL Geoghegan et al, MEDRXIV, AUgust 20, 2020
    We generated 649 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from infected patients in New Zealand representing 56% of all confirmed cases in this time period. The proportion of D614G variants in the virus spike protein increased over time due to an increase in their importation frequency, rather than selection within New Zealand. These data also helped to quantify the effectiveness of public health interventions.
  • Genomic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 During Early Introduction into the United States National Capital Region
    PM Thielen et al, MEDRXIV, August 23, 2020
    We established a pipeline for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing which enabled us to capture the significant viral diversity present in the region as early as March 2020. Efforts to control local spread of the virus were likely confounded by the number of introductions into the region early in the epidemic and interconnectedness of the region as a whole.
  • An inflammatory cytokine signature predicts COVID-19 severity and survival
    DM Del Valle et al, Nature Medicine, August 24, 2020
    We implemented a rapid multiplex cytokine assay to measure serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and IL-1ß in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 upon admission. Patients (n?=?1,484) were followed up to 41 d after admission. We found that high serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a levels at the time of hospitalization were strong and independent predictors of patient survival.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in the Boston area highlights the role of recurrent importation and superspreading events
    J Lemieux et al, MEDRXIV, August 25, 2020
    To investigate the introduction, spread, and epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Boston area, we sequenced and analyzed 772 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the region, including nearly all confirmed cases within the first week of the epidemic and hundreds of cases from major outbreaks at a conference, a nursing facility, and among homeless shelter guests and staff. The data reveal over 80 introductions into the Boston area, predominantly from elsewhere in the United States and Europe.

Non-Genomics Precision Health Studies

  • Genomic epidemiology reveals transmission patterns and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Aotearoa New Zealand
    JL Geoghegan et al, MEDRXIV, AUgust 20, 2020
    We generated 649 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from infected patients in New Zealand representing 56% of all confirmed cases in this time period. The proportion of D614G variants in the virus spike protein increased over time due to an increase in their importation frequency, rather than selection within New Zealand. These data also helped to quantify the effectiveness of public health interventions.
  • Genomic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 During Early Introduction into the United States National Capital Region
    PM Thielen et al, MEDRXIV, August 23, 2020
    We established a pipeline for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing which enabled us to capture the significant viral diversity present in the region as early as March 2020. Efforts to control local spread of the virus were likely confounded by the number of introductions into the region early in the epidemic and interconnectedness of the region as a whole.
  • An inflammatory cytokine signature predicts COVID-19 severity and survival
    DM Del Valle et al, Nature Medicine, August 24, 2020
    We implemented a rapid multiplex cytokine assay to measure serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and IL-1ß in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 upon admission. Patients (n?=?1,484) were followed up to 41 d after admission. We found that high serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a levels at the time of hospitalization were strong and independent predictors of patient survival.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in the Boston area highlights the role of recurrent importation and superspreading events
    J Lemieux et al, MEDRXIV, August 25, 2020
    To investigate the introduction, spread, and epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Boston area, we sequenced and analyzed 772 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the region, including nearly all confirmed cases within the first week of the epidemic and hundreds of cases from major outbreaks at a conference, a nursing facility, and among homeless shelter guests and staff. The data reveal over 80 introductions into the Boston area, predominantly from elsewhere in the United States and Europe.

News, Reviews and Commentaries

  • Genomic epidemiology reveals transmission patterns and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Aotearoa New Zealand
    JL Geoghegan et al, MEDRXIV, AUgust 20, 2020
    We generated 649 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from infected patients in New Zealand representing 56% of all confirmed cases in this time period. The proportion of D614G variants in the virus spike protein increased over time due to an increase in their importation frequency, rather than selection within New Zealand. These data also helped to quantify the effectiveness of public health interventions.
  • Genomic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 During Early Introduction into the United States National Capital Region
    PM Thielen et al, MEDRXIV, August 23, 2020
    We established a pipeline for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing which enabled us to capture the significant viral diversity present in the region as early as March 2020. Efforts to control local spread of the virus were likely confounded by the number of introductions into the region early in the epidemic and interconnectedness of the region as a whole.
  • An inflammatory cytokine signature predicts COVID-19 severity and survival
    DM Del Valle et al, Nature Medicine, August 24, 2020
    We implemented a rapid multiplex cytokine assay to measure serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and IL-1ß in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 upon admission. Patients (n?=?1,484) were followed up to 41 d after admission. We found that high serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a levels at the time of hospitalization were strong and independent predictors of patient survival.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in the Boston area highlights the role of recurrent importation and superspreading events
    J Lemieux et al, MEDRXIV, August 25, 2020
    To investigate the introduction, spread, and epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Boston area, we sequenced and analyzed 772 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the region, including nearly all confirmed cases within the first week of the epidemic and hundreds of cases from major outbreaks at a conference, a nursing facility, and among homeless shelter guests and staff. The data reveal over 80 introductions into the Boston area, predominantly from elsewhere in the United States and Europe.
Disclaimer: Articles listed in COVID-19 Genomics and Precision Public Health Weekly Update are selected by Public Health Genomics Branch to provide current awareness of the scientific literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.
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