Tag: genomic

  • Genomic Surveillance

    Genomic Surveillance

    Executive summary

    Genomic surveillance in Belgium is based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of a selection of
    representative samples, complemented with targeted active surveillance initiatives and targeted
    molecular markers aiming to early detect and precisely monitor the epidemiological evolution of
    variants of concern (VOCs). Currently, 5.050 sequences of samples collected in Belgium are available
    on GISAID in open access. During week 3 of 2021, Belgium achieved a coverage of 3,5% of all positive
    sequences being sequenced.
    During the last 2 weeks (week 5 and 6), 146 samples have been sequenced as part of the baseline
    surveillance, among which 48 (33%) were 501Y.V1 and 8 (5%) were 501Y.V2.
    Since week 52 of 2020, Belgium has experienced multiple introductions of VOCs followed by sustained
    local transmissions. As a consequence of a higher transmissibility of these variants, we observe a
    progressive shift in viral populations, with 501Y.V1 expected to represent the majority of circulating
    strains by early March. Together with the rollout of vaccination, genomic surveillance will monitor the
    eventual positive selection of VOCs harbouring immune escape mutations such as S:E484K.
    During the last 2 weeks, the progressive phenomenon of viral population replacement by more
    transmissible strains did not alter the overall stability of the epidemic in Belgium. This is probably due
    to a combination of active public health response and limited number of social interactions in the
    population. The risk of disruption of this equilibrium remains, as the proportion of more transmissible
    viruses will continue rising, but this risk can be mitigated by a combination of active outbreak control
    interventions, maintained efforts to reduce transmission in the population and rapid roll-out of
    vaccination.

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