Eurosurv. Genetic structure of SARS-CoV-2 reflects clonal superspreading and multiple independent introduction events, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany

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Genetic structure of SARS-CoV-2 reflects clonal superspreading and multiple independent introduction events, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, February and March 2020

• Andreas Walker[SUP]1,2[/SUP], Torsten Houwaart[SUP]2,3[/SUP], Tobias Wienemann[SUP]3[/SUP], Malte Kohns Vasconcelos[SUP]3[/SUP], Daniel Strelow[SUP]3[/SUP], Tina Senff[SUP]1[/SUP], Lisanna H?lse[SUP]3[/SUP], Ortwin Adams[SUP]1[/SUP], Marcel Andree[SUP]1[/SUP], Sandra Hauka[SUP]1[/SUP], Torsten Feldt[SUP]4[/SUP], Bj?rn-Erik Jensen[SUP]4[/SUP], Verena Keitel[SUP]4[/SUP], Detlef Kindgen-Milles[SUP]5[/SUP], J?rg Timm[SUP]1[/SUP], Klaus Pfeffer[SUP]3[/SUP], Alexander T Dilthey[SUP]3[/SUP]

We whole-genome sequenced 55 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from Germany to investigate SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in 2020 in the Heinsberg district and D?sseldorf. While the genetic structure of the Heinsberg outbreak indicates a clonal origin, reflecting superspreading dynamics from mid-February during the carnival season, distinct viral strains were circulating in D?sseldorf in March, reflecting the city’s international links. Limited detection of Heinsberg strains in the D?sseldorf area despite geographical proximity may reflect efficient containment and contact-tracing efforts.

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https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.22.2000746#html_fulltext