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Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 reveals highest severity and mortality of delta over other variants: evidence from Cameroon.

Fokam J Essomba RG Njouom R Okomo MA Eyangoh S Godwe C Tegomoh B Otshudiema JO Nwobegahay J Ndip L Akenji B Takou D Moctar MMM Mbah CK Ndze VN Maidadi-Foudi M Kouanfack C Tonmeu S Ngono D Nkengasong J Ndembi N Bissek AZK Mouangue C Ndongo CB Epée E Mandeng N Kamso Belinga S Ayouba A Fernandez N Tongo M Colizzi V Halle-Ekane GE Perno CF Ndjolo A Ndongmo CB Shang J Esso L de-Tulio O Diagne MM Boum Y Mballa GAE Njock LR
Scientific reports 2023 Dec 08; 13(1); . doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48773-3. Epub 2023 12 08

Abstract

While the SARS-CoV-2 dynamic has been described globally, there is a lack of data from Sub-Saharan Africa. We herein report the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 lineages from March 2020 to March 2022 in Cameroon. Of the 760 whole-genome sequences successfully generated by the national genomic surveillance network, 74% were viral sub-lineages of origin and non-variants of concern, 15% Delta, 6% Omicron, 3% Alpha and 2% Beta variants. The pandemic was driven by SARS-CoV-2 lineages of origin in wave 1 (16 weeks, 2.3% CFR), the Alpha and Beta variants in wave 2 (21 weeks, 1.6% CFR), Delta variants in wave 3 (11 weeks, 2.0% CFR), and omicron variants in wave 4 (8 weeks, 0.73% CFR), with a declining trend over time (p = 0.01208). Even though SARS-CoV-2 heterogeneity did not seemingly contribute to the breadth of transmission, the viral lineages of origin and especially the Delta variants appeared as drivers of COVID-19 severity in Cameroon.

© 2023. The Author(s).

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