The phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV2 across the different continents (Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa) over one year period

Abstract

A previously unknown human coronavirus (hCoV-19) was first detected in late 2019 in patients in the City of Wuhan, who suffered from respiratory illnesses including atypical pneumonia, an illness that became known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The coronavirus originated from an animal host and is closely related to the virus responsible for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS). On 10. January 2020, the first virus genomes and associated data were publicly shared via GISAID. As the pandemic progresses, scientists from around the globe tracked the virus and its genome sequences to ensure optimal virus diagnostic tests, to track and trace the ongoing outbreak and to identify potential intervention options. This study involved comparison of the phylogenetic relatedness of 250 full genome sequences from the 5 continents around the globe within one year period 2020 when the virus had spread all over the entire continent to aid understand the patterns of spreading and the relatedness of the sequences of the SARS-CoV2 complete genomes submitted to GSAID gene data bank from across all the different continents. In phylogenetic analysis, neighbour joining trees, constructed inferred phylogenetic relatedness with in the downloaded sequences. Understanding the phylogeny of the SARS-CoV2 strains during its spreading using their genetic sequences will provide knowledge about the global viral transmission which will aid public health personnel to advise on the specific COVID-19 preventive measures, antiviral treatments and vaccines being developed to be used and put emphasis on testing for the different strains.