Amplification Artifact in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Sequences Carrying P681R Mutation, New York, USA

Abstract

Of 379 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 samples collected in New York, USA, we detected 86 Omicron variant sequences containing Delta variant mutation P681R. Probable explanations were co-infection with 2 viruses or contamination/amplification artifact. Repeated library preparation with fewer cycles showed the P681R calls were artifactual. Unusual mutations should be interpreted with caution.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• 2019 novel coronavirus disease
• coronavirus disease
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• SARS-CoV-2
• viruses