Genome‐wide analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains circulating in Vietnam: Understanding the nature of the epidemic and role of the D614G mutation

Dao, Manh H.; Phan, Lan T.; Cao, Thang M.; Luong, Quang C.; Pham, Hang T. T.; Vu, Nhung H. P.; Khuu, Nghia V.; Nguyen, Thinh V.; Nguyen, Long T.; Nguyen, Hieu T.; Nguyen, Anh H.; Huynh, Loan Kim Thi; Huynh, Thao P.; Nguyen, Quan H.; Truong, Hieu C.; Nguyen, Hang Minh; Trinh, Tung Xuan; Nguyen, Dung T.; Nguyen, Trieu B.; Do, Hung T.; Pham, Quang D.; Nguyen, Thuong V.

Genome‐wide analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) strains is essential to better understand infectivity and virulence and to track coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases and outbreaks. We performed whole‐genome sequencing of 27 SARS‐CoV‐2 strains isolated between January 2020 and April 2020. A total of 54 mutations in different genomic regions was found. The D614G mutation, first detected in March 2020, was identified in 18 strains and was more likely associated with a lower cycle threshold (<25) in real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction diagnostic tests than the original D614 (prevalence ratio = 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–6.38). The integration of sequencing and epidemiological data suggests that SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in both quarantine areas and in the community in Vietnam occur at the beginning of the epidemic although the country implemented strict quarantine quite early, with strict contact tracing, and testing. These findings provide insights into the nature of the epidemic, as well as shape strategies for COVID‐19 prevention and control in Vietnam.