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Unveiling the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 sub-variant: Insights from the first cases at Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunisia

Hamzaoui, Zaineb and Ferjani, Sana and Kanzari, Lamia and Ben Ali, Roua and Charaa, Latifa and Landolsi, Ichrak and Medini, Ines and Chammam, Sarra and Abid, Salma and Ferjani, Asma and Kebaier, Dhouha and Fakhfakh, Ahmed and Bouslah, Zoubeir and Ben Sassi, Mouna and Trabelsi, Sameh and Boutiba-Ben Boubaker, Ilhem (2024) Unveiling the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 sub-variant: Insights from the first cases at Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunisia. Acta Microbiologica et Immunologica Hungarica, 71 (2). pp. 165-171. ISSN 1217-8950

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Abstract

The JN.1 sub-variant is a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, derived from the BA.2.86 sub-variant. It was first detected in late 2023 and has quickly spread to many countries, becoming the most prevalent variant in some regions. JN.1 exhibits a unique mutation (L455S) in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 lineage, which may affect its transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. JN.1 has been designated as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization due to its rapidly increasing spread and is being closely monitored for its impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 sub-variant in Tunisia, and reports its mutation profiles. Nasopharyngeal samples collected over a four-month period (October 2023 to January 2024) were subjected to RNA extraction and real-time RT-PCR confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The whole-genome sequencing was performed by an iSeq 100 sequencer and COVIDSeq kit reagents (Illumina, USA). Mutation analysis, using the NextClade platform and GISAID database, revealed the presence of JN.1 in 15 out of 80 positive cases (18.75%) during the study period. The emergence of JN.1 highlights the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the need for continued surveillance and research to better understand the characteristics and impact of emerging variants.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: JN.1 sub-variant; Omicron; BA.2.86; L455S mutation; SARS-CoV-2
Subjects: Q Science / természettudomány > QR Microbiology / mikrobiológia
Q Science / természettudomány > QR Microbiology / mikrobiológia > QR355 Virology / víruskutatás
R Medicine / orvostudomány > R1 Medicine (General) / orvostudomány általában
Depositing User: Melinda Danyi
Date Deposited: 21 Jan 2025 08:34
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2025 12:00
URI: https://real.mtak.hu/id/eprint/213933

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