SARS-CoV-2: Two Years in the Pandemic: What Have We Observed from Genome Sequencing Results in Lithuania?

Lukas Zemaitis; Gediminas Alzbutas; Emilija Gecyte; Dovydas Gecys; Vaiva Lesauskaite

doi:10.3390/microorganisms10061229

SARS-CoV-2: Two Years in the Pandemic: What Have We Observed from Genome Sequencing Results in Lithuania?

Microorganisms. 2022 Jun 16;10(6):1229. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10061229.

Authors

Lukas Zemaitis¹, Gediminas Alzbutas², Emilija Gecyte¹, Dovydas Gecys¹, Vaiva Lesauskaite¹

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania.
² Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 has spread vastly throughout the word. In this study, we focus on the patterns of spread in Lithuania. By analysing the genetically sequenced data of different lineages and their first appearances, we were able to compare the dynamics of spreading of the lineages and recognize the main possible cause. The impact of emigration patterns and international travel on the variety of lineages was also assessed. Results showed different patterns of spread, and while a vast variety of different lineages were brought in by international travel, many of the viral outbreaks were caused by local lineages. It can be concluded that international travel had the most impact on the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: BA.1; BA.2; Lithuania; Omicron; SARS-CoV-2; delta; epidemiology.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.