Mutational analysis unveils the temporal and spatial distribution of G614 genotype of SARS-CoV-2in different Indian states and its association with case fatality rate of COVID-19

Kumar, Ballamoole Krishna; Venkatraja, Bakilapadavu; Prithvisagar, Kattapuni Suresh; Rai, Praveen; Rohit, Anusha; Hegde, Madhura Nagesh; Karunasagar, Indrani; Karunasagar, Iddya

Pan genomic analysis of the global SARS-CoV-2 isolates has resulted in the identification of several regions of increased genetic variation but there is absence of research on its association with the clinical outcome. The present study fills the vacuum and does mutational analysis of genomic sequence of Indian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Results reveal the existence of non-synonymous G614 spike protein mutation in 61.45% of the total study genome along with three other mutations. Further, temporal variation in the frequencies of G614 genotype in the country is observed. The examination of the probable association of G614 genotype with COVID-19 severity shows that CFR G614 genotype in India is positively and strongly correlated. It appears that the clinical outcome of the COVID-19 cases in India are significantly and adversely affected by the increasing trend in the G614 genotype; which needs to be addressed combining both laboratory experiments and epidemiological investigations.