Introduction: A COVID-19 outbreak occurred at the end of October 2021 among pilgrims returning from Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Methodology: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2, epidemiological data, and phylogenetic analysis were used to reconstruct outbreak dynamics. Results: The results suggest that only in one case, associated with the SARS-CoV-2 sub-lineage AY.9.2, it is possible to trace back the place of contagion to Medjugorje, while the other cases were likely to be acquired in the country of origin. Conclusions: The combined use of phylogenetic data derived from WGS, and epidemiological data allowed us to study epidemic dynamics and to formulate a possible hypothesis on the place of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The identification of different sub-lineages of the SARSCoV-2 Delta variant also suggested that different chains of transmission contributed to the outbreak.
An outbreak of COVID-19 after a pilgrimage to Medjugorje due to Delta sub-lineages / Presti, A. L.; Rubino, S.; Ibba, G.; Ambrosio, L.; Martino, A. D.; Ferraro, F.; Rapiti, A.; Maraglino, F.; Frisicale, E. M.; Rezza, G.; Angioj, F.; Uzzau, S.; Contini, M. L.; Manca, S.; Coghe, F.; Orru, G.; Palamara, A. T.; Stefanelli, P.; Serra, C.; Firino, L.; Paglietti, B.; Piu, C.; Govoni, R.; Lai, V.; Mura, E.; Puggioni, A.; Rocca, G.. - 18:3(2024), pp. 332-336. [10.3855/jidc.18652]
An outbreak of COVID-19 after a pilgrimage to Medjugorje due to Delta sub-lineages
Rubino S.;Ibba G.;Angioj F.;Uzzau S.;Manca S.;Serra C.;Firino L.;Paglietti B.;Piu C.;Lai V.;Rocca G.
2024-01-01
Abstract
Introduction: A COVID-19 outbreak occurred at the end of October 2021 among pilgrims returning from Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Methodology: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2, epidemiological data, and phylogenetic analysis were used to reconstruct outbreak dynamics. Results: The results suggest that only in one case, associated with the SARS-CoV-2 sub-lineage AY.9.2, it is possible to trace back the place of contagion to Medjugorje, while the other cases were likely to be acquired in the country of origin. Conclusions: The combined use of phylogenetic data derived from WGS, and epidemiological data allowed us to study epidemic dynamics and to formulate a possible hypothesis on the place of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The identification of different sub-lineages of the SARSCoV-2 Delta variant also suggested that different chains of transmission contributed to the outbreak.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
