Detection of potential new SARS-CoV-2 Gamma-related lineage in Tocantins shows the spread and ongoing evolution of P.1 in Brazil

Souza, U.J.B.; Santos, R.N.; Belmok, A.; Melo, F.L.; Galvão, J.D.; Damasceno, S.B.; Rezende, T.C.V.; Andrade, M.S.; Ribeiro, B.M.; Ribeiro Junior, J.C.; Carvalho, R.F.; Santos, I.G.C.; Oliveira, M.S.; Spilki, F.R.; Campos, F.S.

After more than a year of the pandemic situation of COVID-19, the United Kingdom (UK), South Africa, and Brazil became the epicenter of new lineages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Variants of Concern (VOCs) were identified through a continuous genomic surveillance global effort, the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and P.1 (Gamma) harboring a constellation set of mutations. This research aims to: (i) report the predominance of the Gamma (P.1) lineage presenting the epidemiological situation of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance at the state of Tocantins, and (ii) describe the emergence of possible new mutations and viral variants with the potential new lineage (P1-related) represented by 8 genomes from the Tocantins harboring the mutation L106F in ORF3a. At the moment, 6,687 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from GISAID carry this mutation. The whole-genome sequencing has an important role in understanding the evolution and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, thus, the continuous monitoring will help in the control measures and restrictions imposed by the secretary of health of the state to prevent the spread of variants.