Coronavirus Disease PHGKB|Home|PHGKB

Coronavirus Disease PHGKB|Home|PHGKB

 Spotlight

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Guangdong Province, China
J Lu et al, MEDRXIV, April 4, 2020

To study genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in China, 53 genomes from infected individuals in Guangdong were analyzed using a combination of metagenomic sequencing and tiling amplicon approaches. Analyses indicate multiple independent introductions to Guangdong, although phylogenetic clustering is uncertain due to low virus genetic variation early in the pandemic.

Comparative genomics suggests limited variability and similar evolutionary patterns between major clades of SARS-Cov-2
M Chiara et al, BIORXIV, April 4, 2020

The study analyzed >1100 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and provide evidence for the absence of distinct evolutionary patterns/signatures of the currently known major clades of SARS-CoV-2. Our analyses suggest that the presence of distinct viral episomes at different geographic locations are consistent with founder effects and rapid spread of this novel virus.

COVIDView: A Weekly Surveillance Summary of U.S. COVID-19 Activity
CDC, April 2020

This CDC report provides a weekly summary and interpretation of key indicators being adapted to track the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. This includes information related to COVID-19 outpatient visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths, as well as laboratory data.

Severe Covid-19 illness in young down to genes or 'viral load', scientists say
R McKie, The Guardian, April 35 2020

Several theories have been proposed. Some researchers believe the amount of virus that infects an individual may have crucial outcomes. Get a huge dose and your outcome may be worse. Others argue that genetic susceptibility may be involved: in other words, that there are individuals whose genetic makeup leaves them more vulnerable to the virus.