PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.16 No.8, March 02, 2023 Article TypeNotes from the FieldOriginal ArticlesQuickStats

• Original Articles 2023-03-02

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  Characterization of COVID-19 Diagnosis Based on Whole Genome Sequencing in Gyeongbuk Region

  Haesun YUN, Jeonjoo Park, Hagyeong Chae, Hyo-Jin Kim, Seong Hee Oh, Yong-Pyo Lee, Gyeong Ran Moon, Chang-kyu Sohn, Chang-il Lee, Wooyoung Choi

  Public Health Weekly Report 2023; 16(8): 215-229 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2023.16.8.1

  Abstract

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  In order to analyze the differences between the results of coronavirus disease 2 019 (COVID-19) diagnostic tests in Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea, this study was performed full length genome analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) used by Ion Torrent Genexus Integrated Sequencer and dedicated analysis program. Full-length genomic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from specimen of 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As a result of the analysis, the Omicron sub-lineages were BA.1.1 (n=5), BA.2 (n=4), and BA.2.3 (n=4). In detail, R61C or R61H were confirmed in the E gene, meanwhile L142W and 166–178 nucleotide sequences were deleted in the ORF1ab NSP3 region. In the analysis using a computer program, mutations in the E gene region (R61H) were not useful as a target region for COVID-19 Real-time RT-PCR. Amino acid mutation (L142W) and nucleotide deletion (166–178) in the ORF1ab NSP3 region have been identified to affect diagnosis of COVID-19 with specific diagnostic kits. Thus, these results suggest that the detailed lineage and genetic mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 using the whole genome sequencing could be a critical tool for the COVID-19 diagnosis.

• Notes from the Field 2023-03-02

  0 1342 329

  Surveillance and Outbreak Status of SARS-CoV-2 Originated from China

  Jeong-Ah Kim, Il-Hwan Kim, Jin Sun No, HyeokJin Lee, Chae Young Lee, Eun-Jung Lee, Sahyun Hong, Kyu-Sik Chang, Jee Eun Rhee, Jeong-Gu Nam, Eun-Jin Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2023; 16(8): 230-237 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2023.16.8.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is conducting variant analysis through whole genome analysis to strengthen quarantine measures for confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 arriving from China, as the number of confirmed cases in China has increased since December 2022. The BA.5 subvariants, which include BA.5 and BF.7, have been identified in >90% of confirmed cases of Chinese origin by Korea Respiratory Virus Integrated Surveillance System. An examination of Chinese-origin genetic data shared by China and other countries in the Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data confirms similar findings, indicating that BA.5 subvariants, including BA.5 and BF.7, are currently predominant in China, accounting for >90% of cases. To date, no variants of significant concern have been identified. However, as the number of confirmed cases in China rises, the KDCA will continue to conduct enhanced mutation surveillance to detect the introduction and/or domestic emergence of new variants. In addition, the KDCA will strengthen international cooperation by actively sharing relevant information.

• QuickStats 2023-03-02

  2 1734 329

  Trends in the Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease, 2011–2021

  Public Health Weekly Report 2023; 16(8): 238-239 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2023.16.8.3

  

  

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