Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis
Military operations involve the global movement of personnel and equipment, increasing the risk of spreading infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Given the continuous engagement of the Polish Armed Forces in overseas operations, an active surveillance program targeting Variants of Concern (VOC)...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/19/14851 |
| _version_ | 1797575753855926272 |
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| author | Katarzyna Skuza Pawel Rutyna Lukasz Krzowski Lukasz Rabalski Tomasz Lepionka |
| author_facet | Katarzyna Skuza Pawel Rutyna Lukasz Krzowski Lukasz Rabalski Tomasz Lepionka |
| author_sort | Katarzyna Skuza |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Military operations involve the global movement of personnel and equipment, increasing the risk of spreading infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Given the continuous engagement of the Polish Armed Forces in overseas operations, an active surveillance program targeting Variants of Concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2 was implemented among military personnel. Screening using RT-qPCR tests was conducted on 1699 soldiers between November 2021 and May 2022. Of these, 84 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples met the criteria for whole genome sequencing analysis and variant identification. Whole genome sequencing was performed using two advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies: sequencing by synthesis and nanopore sequencing. Our analysis revealed eleven SARS-CoV-2 lineages belonging to 21K, 21L, and 21J. The predominant lineage was BA.1.1 (57% of the samples), followed by BA.1 (23%) and BA.2 (6%). Notably, all identified lineages detected in post-deployment screening tests were classified as VOC and were already present in Poland, showing the effectiveness of the Military Sanitary Inspection measures in mitigating the COVID-19 spread. Pre-departure and post-mission screening and isolation successfully prevented SARS-CoV-2 VOC exportation and importation. Proactive measures are vital in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in military settings, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and response strategies. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:42:47Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-74a5d6abd2ba4433af85d12896b17813 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:42:47Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-74a5d6abd2ba4433af85d12896b178132023-11-19T14:31:38ZengMDPI AGInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences1661-65961422-00672023-10-0124191485110.3390/ijms241914851Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing AnalysisKatarzyna Skuza0Pawel Rutyna1Lukasz Krzowski2Lukasz Rabalski3Tomasz Lepionka4Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Lubelska 4, 24-100 Pulawy, PolandChair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki, 20-093 Lublin, PolandBiomedical Engineering Centre, Institute of Optoeletronics. Military University of Technology, 2 Gen. Sylwestra Kaliskiego, 00-908 Warsaw, PolandBiological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Lubelska 4, 24-100 Pulawy, PolandBiological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Lubelska 4, 24-100 Pulawy, PolandMilitary operations involve the global movement of personnel and equipment, increasing the risk of spreading infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Given the continuous engagement of the Polish Armed Forces in overseas operations, an active surveillance program targeting Variants of Concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2 was implemented among military personnel. Screening using RT-qPCR tests was conducted on 1699 soldiers between November 2021 and May 2022. Of these, 84 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples met the criteria for whole genome sequencing analysis and variant identification. Whole genome sequencing was performed using two advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies: sequencing by synthesis and nanopore sequencing. Our analysis revealed eleven SARS-CoV-2 lineages belonging to 21K, 21L, and 21J. The predominant lineage was BA.1.1 (57% of the samples), followed by BA.1 (23%) and BA.2 (6%). Notably, all identified lineages detected in post-deployment screening tests were classified as VOC and were already present in Poland, showing the effectiveness of the Military Sanitary Inspection measures in mitigating the COVID-19 spread. Pre-departure and post-mission screening and isolation successfully prevented SARS-CoV-2 VOC exportation and importation. Proactive measures are vital in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in military settings, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and response strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/19/14851SARS-CoV-2COVID-19outbreakmilitaryvariantsgenomic epidemiology |
| spellingShingle | Katarzyna Skuza Pawel Rutyna Lukasz Krzowski Lukasz Rabalski Tomasz Lepionka Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis International Journal of Molecular Sciences SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 outbreak military variants genomic epidemiology |
| title | Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis |
| title_full | Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis |
| title_fullStr | Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis |
| title_short | Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis |
| title_sort | surveillance of sars cov 2 genetic variants in the polish armed forces using whole genome sequencing analysis |
| topic | SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 outbreak military variants genomic epidemiology |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/19/14851 |
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