Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in México: Three Years since Wuhan, China’s First Reported Case

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work was to analyze the metadata of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences obtained from samples collected in Mexico from 2020 to 2022. Materials and Methods: Metadata of SARS-CoV-2 sequences from samples collected in Mexico up to 31 December 2022 was retrieved from GISAID and manually cured for interpretation. Results: As of December 2022, Mexican health authorities and the scientific community have sequenced up to 81,983 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes deposited in GISAID, representing 1.1% of confirmed cases. The number of sequences obtained per state corresponded to the gross domestic product (GDP) of each state for the first (Mexico City) and the last (Tlaxcala). Approximately 25% of the sequences were obtained from CoViGen-Mex, an interdisciplinary initiative of health and scientific institutions to collect and sequence samples nationwide. The metadata showed a clear dominance of sequences retrieved by women. A similar variant distribution over time was found in Mexico and overseas, with the Omicron variant predominating. Finally, the age group with the highest representation in the sequences was adults aged 21 to 50 years, accounting for more than 50% of the total. Conclusions: Mexico presents diverse sociodemographic and economic characteristics. The COVID-19 pandemic has been and continues to be a challenge for collaboration across the country and around the world.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• genomic surveillance
• metadata