Sequencing and analysis of Estonian SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes - KoroGeno-EST-2

An essential key to stop the COVID-19 epidemic is effective vaccination. However, it is challenged by new emerging and resistant SARS-CoV-2 strains from which UK (B.1.1.7), LAV (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1) ja Indian (B.1.617) variants have received the most attention. The aim of Koro-Geno-EST-2 is to sequence and conduct molecular-epidemiology analysis for more than 2500 SARS-CoV-2 full genomes from the 1st of January to 30th of April 2021 in Estonia. Scientists from University of Tartu and Estonian Health Board (TA) compile weakly representative list of samples of SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects from different risk groups. Extracted RNA will be sequenced, analyzed and results will be reported to Estonian governmental institutions as well as to ECDC. Analysis will identify the prevalence of more pathogenic or more infectious strains or associated mutations in all risk groups. In addition, in collaboration with TA analysis of infection clusters will be conducted to trace newly infected subjects. Based on these data authorities will get a better overview about circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains as well as imported cases which will be part of the governmental decision making, and help more efficiently to suppress the spread of COVID-19 epidemic.