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Published on 12/31/2020

COVID-19 Genomics and Precision Public Health Weekly Update Content

Pathogen and Human Genomics Studies

  • Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 from mainland Europe into Scotland.
    da Silva Filipe Ana et al. Nature microbiology 2021 Jan (1) 112-122
    We aimed to identify the source and number of introductions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into Scotland using a combined phylogenetic and epidemiological approach. Sequencing of 1,314 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from available patient samples enabled us to estimate that SARS-CoV-2 was introduced to Scotland on at least 283 occasions during February and March 2020. Epidemiological analysis confirmed that early introductions of SARS-CoV-2 originated from mainland Europe (the majority from Italy and Spain).
  • HLA-C* 04:01 is a Genetic Risk Allele for Severe Course of COVID-19
    J Weiner et al, MEDRXIV, December 24, 2020
    We analyzed a total of 332 samples. First, we enrolled 233 patients in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland for HLA and whole exome sequencing. We identified HLA-C* 04:01 as a novel genetic predictor for severe clinical course in COVID-19. Carriers of HLA-C* 04:01 had twice the risk of intubation when infected with SARS-CoV-2 (hazard ratio 2.1, adjusted p-value=0.0036). Importantly, these findings were successfully replicated in an independent data set.
  • Estimated transmissibility and severity of novel SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in England
    NG Davies et al, MEDRXIV, December 26, 2020
    We estimate that VOC 202012/01 is 56% more transmissible (95% credible interval across three regions 50-74%) than preexisting variants of SARS-CoV-2. We were unable to find clear evidence that VOC 202012/01 results in greater or lesser severity of disease than preexisting variants. Nevertheless, the increase in transmissibility is likely to lead to a large increase in incidence, with COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths projected to reach higher levels in 2021.
  • Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
    LR Baden et al, NEJM, December 30, 2020
    This phase 3 randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 99 centers across the United States. Persons at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or its complications were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive two intramuscular injections of mRNA-1273 (100 µg) or placebo 28 days apart. The mRNA-1273 vaccine showed 94.1% efficacy at preventing Covid-19 illness, including severe disease

Non-Genomics Precision Health Studies

  • Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 from mainland Europe into Scotland.
    da Silva Filipe Ana et al. Nature microbiology 2021 Jan (1) 112-122
    We aimed to identify the source and number of introductions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into Scotland using a combined phylogenetic and epidemiological approach. Sequencing of 1,314 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from available patient samples enabled us to estimate that SARS-CoV-2 was introduced to Scotland on at least 283 occasions during February and March 2020. Epidemiological analysis confirmed that early introductions of SARS-CoV-2 originated from mainland Europe (the majority from Italy and Spain).
  • HLA-C* 04:01 is a Genetic Risk Allele for Severe Course of COVID-19
    J Weiner et al, MEDRXIV, December 24, 2020
    We analyzed a total of 332 samples. First, we enrolled 233 patients in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland for HLA and whole exome sequencing. We identified HLA-C* 04:01 as a novel genetic predictor for severe clinical course in COVID-19. Carriers of HLA-C* 04:01 had twice the risk of intubation when infected with SARS-CoV-2 (hazard ratio 2.1, adjusted p-value=0.0036). Importantly, these findings were successfully replicated in an independent data set.
  • Estimated transmissibility and severity of novel SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in England
    NG Davies et al, MEDRXIV, December 26, 2020
    We estimate that VOC 202012/01 is 56% more transmissible (95% credible interval across three regions 50-74%) than preexisting variants of SARS-CoV-2. We were unable to find clear evidence that VOC 202012/01 results in greater or lesser severity of disease than preexisting variants. Nevertheless, the increase in transmissibility is likely to lead to a large increase in incidence, with COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths projected to reach higher levels in 2021.
  • Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
    LR Baden et al, NEJM, December 30, 2020
    This phase 3 randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 99 centers across the United States. Persons at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or its complications were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive two intramuscular injections of mRNA-1273 (100 µg) or placebo 28 days apart. The mRNA-1273 vaccine showed 94.1% efficacy at preventing Covid-19 illness, including severe disease

News, Reviews and Commentaries

  • Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 from mainland Europe into Scotland.
    da Silva Filipe Ana et al. Nature microbiology 2021 Jan (1) 112-122
    We aimed to identify the source and number of introductions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into Scotland using a combined phylogenetic and epidemiological approach. Sequencing of 1,314 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from available patient samples enabled us to estimate that SARS-CoV-2 was introduced to Scotland on at least 283 occasions during February and March 2020. Epidemiological analysis confirmed that early introductions of SARS-CoV-2 originated from mainland Europe (the majority from Italy and Spain).
  • HLA-C* 04:01 is a Genetic Risk Allele for Severe Course of COVID-19
    J Weiner et al, MEDRXIV, December 24, 2020
    We analyzed a total of 332 samples. First, we enrolled 233 patients in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland for HLA and whole exome sequencing. We identified HLA-C* 04:01 as a novel genetic predictor for severe clinical course in COVID-19. Carriers of HLA-C* 04:01 had twice the risk of intubation when infected with SARS-CoV-2 (hazard ratio 2.1, adjusted p-value=0.0036). Importantly, these findings were successfully replicated in an independent data set.
  • Estimated transmissibility and severity of novel SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in England
    NG Davies et al, MEDRXIV, December 26, 2020
    We estimate that VOC 202012/01 is 56% more transmissible (95% credible interval across three regions 50-74%) than preexisting variants of SARS-CoV-2. We were unable to find clear evidence that VOC 202012/01 results in greater or lesser severity of disease than preexisting variants. Nevertheless, the increase in transmissibility is likely to lead to a large increase in incidence, with COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths projected to reach higher levels in 2021.
  • Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
    LR Baden et al, NEJM, December 30, 2020
    This phase 3 randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 99 centers across the United States. Persons at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or its complications were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive two intramuscular injections of mRNA-1273 (100 µg) or placebo 28 days apart. The mRNA-1273 vaccine showed 94.1% efficacy at preventing Covid-19 illness, including severe disease
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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