TITLE:
Genome Sequences of COVID-19 from Jordanian Patients in Comparison with the Global Pandemic Strains and the Transmission Route
AUTHORS:
Ihsan Mahasneh, Mustafa Ennaji, Berjas Abumsimir
KEYWORDS:
COVID-19 Phylogenetic, COVID-19 in Jordan, Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, Viral Infection, COVID-19 Pandemic
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.9 No.3,
March
29,
2021
ABSTRACT: In this research study, we reported a pioneer investigation on the phylogenetic profile of genomic sequences and the prevalence of COVID-19 strains in Jordan; in comparison with global strains, as part of concerted global efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 28 genome sequences of the hCoV-19/Jordan strain were employed in this study. The phylogenetic analysis of the genome sequences of hCoV-19/Jordan strain, which was conducted on the databases of NCBI and GASAID revealed that the hCoV-19/Jordan strain belongs to the G, V, and S clades with distribution coverage rates of 89%, 7% and 4%, respectively. Comparison of the hCoV-19/Jordan clades with global clades distribution profile showed evidently and conclusively, a unique pandemic profile of multiple geographical sources of COVID-19, imported into Jordan primarily through cryptic means from European countries (UK, Belgium, Sweden, Russia) and Morocco, which are entry points into Jordan. This is due to the reciprocal heavy air traffic route between Jordan and the capitals of these European countries, with Morocco being the primary entry point into Jordan. The results of this study represent a marked addition to investigations on the prevalence rate of the hCovid-19/Jordan strain in comparison to the global strains sequences, and provides a better understanding on comparative diagnosis technique for COVID-19 worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of the top 100 and top 10 taxonomic trees revealed almost identical homology (99.98% - 100%) between hCoV-19/Jordan strain and the strains that broke out in Wuhan, the MT642226.1. Furthermore, it can be inferred that there was no marked change in the virus mutation that occurred during the period of this study taking into cognizance the fact that there was identical homology (99.98% - 100%) among the 28 sequences of hCoV-19/Jordan strains. Similarly, all sequences of the Jordanian strains of hCoV-19/Jordan were compared to the England and American strains and showed identical homology of (99.98% - 100%).