Abstract
Background: Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in monitoring viral lineages. Available data reveal a significant gap between low- and middle-income countries and the rest of the world. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 sequencing costs using the Oxford Nanopore MinION device and hardware prices for data computation in Lebanon were estimated and compared with those in developed countries. SARS-CoV-2 genomes deposited on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data per 1000 COVID-19 cases were determined per country. Results: Sequencing costs in Lebanon were significantly higher compared with those in developed countries. Low- and middle-income countries showed limited sequencing capabilities linked to the lack of support, high prices, long delivery delays and limited availability of trained personnel. Conclusion: The authors recommend the mobilization of funds to develop whole-genome sequencing-based surveillance platforms and the implementation of genomic epidemiology to better identify and track outbreaks, leading to appropriate and mindful interventions.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; low- and middle-income countries; molecular epidemiology; next-generation sequencing platforms; sequencing.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, Molecular epidemiology, Low- and middle-income countries, sequencing., next-generation sequencing platforms, 【초록키워드】 whole-genome sequencing, Epidemiology, Influenza, Sequencing, Genomic surveillance, Outbreaks, Surveillance, SARS-CoV-2 genome, Next-generation sequencing, implementation, Molecular epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2 sequencing, molecular, genomic, Critical, platform, computation, Support, mobilization, available data, COVID-19 case, SARS-CoV-2 genomes, viral lineages, funds, initiative, whole-genome, country, Oxford Nanopore MinION, identify, lack, develop, significantly higher, 【제목키워드】 genomic,