PropertyValue
?:abstract
  • BACKGROUND: Full spectrum of disease phenotype and viral genotype of COVID-19 have yet to be thoroughly explored in children. Here, we analyze the relationships between viral genetic variants and clinical characteristics in children. METHODS: Whole genome sequencing was performed on respiratory specimens collected on all SARS-CoV-2 positive children (n=141) between March 13 to June 16, 2020. Viral genetic variations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome were identified and investigated to evaluate genomic correlates of disease severity. RESULTS: Higher viral load was detected in symptomatic patients (p=0.0007) and in children <5 years old (p=0.0004). Genomic analysis revealed a mean pairwise difference of 10.8 SNVs and the majority (55.4%) of SNVs led to an amino-acid change in the viral proteins. The D614G mutation in the spike protein was present in 99.3% of the isolates. The calculated viral mutational rate of 22.2 substitutions/year contrasts the 13.5 substitutions/year observed in California isolates without the D614G mutation. Phylogenetic clade 20C was associated with severe cases of COVID-19 (p=0.0467, OR=6.95). Epidemiological investigation revealed major representation of 3 of 5 major Nextstrain clades (20A, 20B and 20C) consistent with multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 in Southern California. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic evaluation demonstrated greater than expected genetic diversity, presence of the D614G mutation, increased mutation rate, and evidence of multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into Southern California. Our findings suggests a possible association of phylogenetic clade 20C with severe disease but small sample size precludes a definitive conclusion. Our study warrants larger and multi-institutional genomic evaluation and has implications for infection control practices.
is ?:annotates of
?:creator
?:doi
?:doi
  • 10.1093/ofid/ofaa551
?:externalLink
?:journal
  • Open_Forum_Infect_Dis
?:license
  • cc-by-nc-nd
?:pdf_json_files
  • document_parses/pdf_json/da1bbec3e267c92aeea65efe052fea48846c45ff.json
?:pmcid
?:publication_isRelatedTo_Disease
is ?:relation_isRelatedTo_publication of
?:sha_id
?:source
  • PMC
?:title
  • High Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variation and D614G Mutation in Pediatric Patients with COVID-19
?:type
?:year
  • 2020-11-13

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