B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1 and B.1.617.2 according to the Pango SARS-CoV-2 lineage nomenclature 4, 5) have been universally categorised as variants of concern (VOCs), due to evidence of increased transmissibility, disease severity and/or possible reduced vaccine efficacy.

New lineages are constantly appearing (and disappearing) all over the world and mayВ be designated variant under investigation (VUI) if considered to have concerning epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic properties. Over a year into the pandemic and with an unprecedented reduction in human mobility worldwide, distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages have arisen in multiple geographic areas around the world 1, 2, 3. We make a case for its likely Central African origin using advanced phylogeographic inference methodologies incorporating recorded travel histories of infected travellers. As well as documenting the suite of mutations this lineage carries, we also describe its potential to be resistant to neutralising antibodies, accompanying travel histories for a subset of European cases, evidence of local B.1.620 transmission in Europe with a focus on Lithuania, and significance of its prevalence in Central Africa owing to recent genome sequencing efforts there. We here describe a SARS-CoV-2 lineage - designated B.1.620 - discovered in Lithuania and carrying many mutations and deletions in the spike protein shared with widespread variants of concern (VOCs), including E484K, S477N and deletions HV69О”, Y144О”, and LLA241/243О”. Nature Communications volumeВ 12, ArticleВ number: 5769 ( 2021)Дistinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages, discovered through various genomic surveillance initiatives, have emerged during the pandemic following unprecedented reductions in worldwide human mobility. Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with variant of concern-like mutations and deletions

Alex butel