First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant Primera confirmación de importación y transmisión en España de la variante B.1.1.7 del SARS-CoV-2 recientemente identificada

Introduction A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. Material and methods We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. Results We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. Conclusion The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Tuberculosis trend in Madrid region in native and foreign population (2009-2018)

Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and most cases are concentrated in vulnerable populations. The objective was to describe the incidence rates trend in native and foreign population (2009-2018) in Madrid Region. Methods: Retrospective analysis of cases from the Tuberculosis Regional Registry of cases of Madrid Region 2009-2018. Annual incidence rates were calculated by country of birth (Spain, other), sex and age group (<15, 15-34, 35-44, 45-64,> 64), using the annual January 1st continuous register population. The infection rate trend and the annual percentage change (APC) were calculated, along with the best jointpoint adjustment using Jointpoint regression. Results: 7,696 cases were analyzed, 48.2% were foreign-born individuals. Average age in native population was 50 years old (SD: 23.96) and 35 (DS: 36.64) in foreignborn individuals (p<0.001). The overall incidence rate decreased from 17.30 in 2009 to 9.00 per 100,000 in 2018 and was higher in men. Pulmonary tuberculosis reduced from 11.90 to 6.55. Among native population, the incidence of TB fell from 10.29 to 5.24 with an APC of -7.3% (95%IC: -8.9;-5.7) (p<0.05), no jointpoint was identified. Among foreign-born individuals the incidence of tuberculosis declined from 46.54 to 25.49, a joint point was identified in 2013, observing an incidence decrease for the period 2009-2013 and APC of -13.8% (IC95%: -17.5;-10.0). Conclusions: The global incidence rate in this period has decreased by approximately 7% per year. However, this reduction occurred mainly in native population. In foreignborn individuals the incidence decreased by approximately 14% during the 2009-2013 period, after this period there have been no significant incidence changes.