Genetic diversity analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: a literature review

Résumé

SUMMARY

Introduction. The continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the accumulation of genetic mutations has generated variants with different characteristics, including increased transmissibility, enhanced resistance, and changes in disease severity. Material and methods. The research was carried out using international open access databases - PubMed, Google Scholar and national libraries, using the keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, genetic monitoring, mutation variants, sequencing, protein S. Results. The WHO currently identifies five genetic variants of major concern (VOC): Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. The Alpha variant became globally dominant in early 2021 and was replaced by the Delta variant in the summer of 2021. The Delta strain has more than 13 mutations, nine of which are found in the S protein. The genome of the Omicron variant has more than 30 mutations in the conserved domain of the spike protein. Conclusions. The evolution of the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues, giving rise to new tasks and problems in all spheres of life. In this context, it is necessary to study the genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to the ability of the virus to mutate, evade the immune response and form persistent consequences of infection.

Keywords. SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, genetic monitoring, variant mutations, sequencing, S protein.