International Expansion of a Novel SARS-CoV-2 Mutant
Minjin Wang, Mengjiao Li, Ruotong Ren, Lifeng Li, En‐Qiang Chen, Weimin Li, Binwu Ying
Abstract
RNA viruses such as coronavirus are rapidly evolving pathogens that can accumulate considerable genetic diversity in relatively short time periods. Mutation accumulated in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes during its pandemic spread can cause unpredictable effects on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and further complicate epidemic control efforts (1). Here we report that a novel SARS-CoV-2 mutation in its ORF3a gene appears to be spreading worldwide, which deserves close attention.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyCoronavirusMutationPandemicVirologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Mutant2019-20 coronavirus outbreakGenomeBetacoronavirusGeneticsCoronaviridaeGeneDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)MedicinePathologySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchAnimal Virus Infections StudiesViral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology