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., et al.. - 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.
