Genetic structure of SARS-CoV-2 reflects clonal superspreading and multiple independent introduction events, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, February and March 2020

Euro Surveill. 2020 Jun;25(22):2000746. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.22.2000746.

Abstract

We whole-genome sequenced 55 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from Germany to investigate SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in 2020 in the Heinsberg district and Düsseldorf. While the genetic structure of the Heinsberg outbreak indicates a clonal origin, reflecting superspreading dynamics from mid-February during the carnival season, distinct viral strains were circulating in Düsseldorf in March, reflecting the city's international links. Limited detection of Heinsberg strains in the Düsseldorf area despite geographical proximity may reflect efficient containment and contact-tracing efforts.

Keywords: COVID-19; Düsseldorf; Heinsberg; SARS-CoV-2; artic; genomic epidemiology; nanopore; superspreading.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification
  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Whole Genome Sequencing / methods*

Substances

  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase