Report 44: Recent trends in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in England
File(s)20-05-21-COVID19-Report 44.pdf (787.96 KB)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Report
Abstract
Since its emergence in Autumn 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC) B.1.1.7 rapidly became the dominant lineage across much of Europe. Simultaneously, several other VOCs were identified globally. Unlike B.1.1.7, some of these VOCs possess mutations thought to confer partial immune escape. Understanding when, whether, and how these additional VOCs pose a threat in settings where B.1.1.7 is currently dominant is vital. This is particularly true for England, which has high coverage from vaccines that are likely more protective against B.1.1.7 than some other VOCs. We examine trends in B.1.1.7’s prevalence in London and other English regions using passive-case detection PCR data, cross-sectional community infection surveys, genomic surveillance, and wastewater monitoring. Our results suggest shifts in the composition of SARS-CoV-2 lineages driving transmission in England between March and April 2021. Local transmission of non-B.1.1.7 VOCs may be increasing; this warrants urgent further investigation.
Date Issued
2021-05-20
Citation
Imperial College London, Report 44: Recent trends in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in England, 2021, pp.1-36
Publisher
Imperial College London
Start Page
1
End Page
36
Journal / Book Title
Imperial College London
Report 44: Recent trends in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in England
Copyright Statement
© 2021 The Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0
International License.
International License.
License URL
Sponsor
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Identifier
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/mrc-gida/2021-05-20-COVID19-Report-44.pdf
Grant Number
MR/R015600/1
Subjects
coronavirus
COVID-19
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
44