Author:
Fokam Joseph,Essomba Rene Ghislain,Njouom Richard,Okomo Marie-Claire A.,Eyangoh Sara,Godwe Celestin,Tegomoh Bryan,Otshudiema John O.,Nwobegahay Julius,Ndip Lucy,Akenji Blaise,Takou Desire,Moctar Mohamed M. M.,Mbah Cleophas Kahtita,Ndze Valantine Ngum,Maidadi-Foudi Martin,Kouanfack Charles,Tonmeu Sandrine,Ngono Dorine,Nkengasong John,Ndembi Nicaise,Bissek Anne-Cecile Z. K.,Mouangue Christian,Ndongo Chanceline B.,Epée Emilienne,Mandeng Nadia,Kamso Belinga Sandrine,Ayouba Ahidjo,Fernandez Nicolas,Tongo Marcel,Colizzi Vittorio,Halle-Ekane Gregory-Edie,Perno Carlo-Federico,Ndjolo Alexis,Ndongmo Clement B.,Shang Judith,Esso Linda,de-Tulio Oliviera,Diagne Moussa Moise,Boum Yap,Mballa Georges A. E.,Njock Louis R.,Mba Serge Alain Sadeuh,Ngoupou Paul-Alain Tagnoukam,Henri Moumbeket Yifomnjou,Eyoum Bertrand,Beloumou Grace,Ngaba Guy Pascal,Medi Christiane,Nyatte Lydie,Sanders Melissa,Amougou Marie,Bille Loko,Buyohnwenda Kizito Atehambe,Ngomtcho Claudine,Mouliom Abas,Njuwa Fai Karl Gwei,Ateba Gisele Nke,Nka Alex,Dimite Laura,Dir Adama N.,Eboumbou Carole,
Abstract
AbstractWhile 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.
Funder
European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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