Detection of potential new SARS-CoV-2 Gamma-related lineage in Tocantins shows the spread and ongoing evolution of P.1 in Brazil

After more than a year of the pandemic situation of COVID-19, the United Kingdom (UK), South Africa, and Brazil became the epicenter of new lineages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Variants of Concern (VOCs) were identified through a continuous genomic surveillance global effort, the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and P.1 (Gamma) harboring a constellation set of mutations. This research aims to: (i) report the predominance of the Gamma (P.1) lineage presenting the epidemiological situation of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance at the state of Tocantins, and (ii) describe the emergence of possible new mutations and viral variants with the potential new lineage (P1-related) represented by 8 genomes from the Tocantins harboring the mutation L106F in ORF3a. At the moment, 6,687 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from GISAID carry this mutation. The whole-genome sequencing has an important role in understanding the evolution and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, thus, the continuous monitoring will help in the control measures and restrictions imposed by the secretary of health of the state to prevent the spread of variants.

No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Neotropical Primates sampled during COVID-19 pandemic in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

In 2019, a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected in China. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was capable to infect domestic and captive mammals like cats, tigers and minks. Due to genetic similarities, concern about the infection of Non-Human Primates (NHPs) and the establishment of a sylvatic cycle has grown in the Americas. In this study, neotropical primates (NP) were sampled in different areas from Brazil to investigate whether they were infected by SARS-CoV-2. A total of 89 samples from 51 NP of four species were examined. No positive samples were detected via RT-qPCR, regardless of the NHP species, tissue or habitat tested. This work provides the first report on the lack of evidence of circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in NP. The expand of wild animals sampling is necessary to understand their role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.