Detection of High Level of Co-Infection and the Emergence of Novel SARS CoV-2 Delta-Omicron and Omicron-Omicron Recombinants in the Epidemiological Surveillance of Andalusia.

TitleDetection of High Level of Co-Infection and the Emergence of Novel SARS CoV-2 Delta-Omicron and Omicron-Omicron Recombinants in the Epidemiological Surveillance of Andalusia.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsPerez-Florido, J, Casimiro-Soriguer, CS, Ortuno, F, Fernandez-Rueda, JL, Aguado, A, Lara, M, Riazzo, C, Rodriguez-Iglesias, MA, Camacho-Martinez, P, Merino-Diaz, L, Pupo-Ledo, I, de Salazar, A, Viñuela, L, Fuentes, A, Chueca, N, García, F, Dopazo, J, Lepe, JA
JournalInt J Mol Sci
Volume24
Issue3
Date Published2023 Jan 26
ISSN1422-0067
Abstract

Recombination is an evolutionary strategy to quickly acquire new viral properties inherited from the parental lineages. The systematic survey of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences of the Andalusian genomic surveillance strategy has allowed the detection of an unexpectedly high number of co-infections, which constitute the ideal scenario for the emergence of new recombinants. Whole genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 has been carried out as part of the genomic surveillance programme. Sample sources included the main hospitals in the Andalusia region. In addition to the increase of co-infections and known recombinants, three novel SARS-CoV-2 delta-omicron and omicron-omicron recombinant variants with two break points have been detected. Our observations document an epidemiological scenario in which co-infection and recombination are detected more frequently. Finally, we describe a family case in which co-infection is followed by the detection of a recombinant made from the two co-infecting variants. This increased number of recombinants raises the risk of emergence of recombinant variants with increased transmissibility and pathogenicity.

DOI10.3390/ijms24032419
Alternate JournalInt J Mol Sci
PubMed ID36768752