Journal Article
|ResearchGenomic 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 MCA, 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 ACZK, 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, Genomic Surveillance Study Group
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.
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