The NCIPD has successfully analyzed 89 clinical samples with SARS-CoV-2 by next-generation whole genome sequencing. The samples were collected from patients with COVID-19 between 10.10-07.11.2022 and were sent from 12 different medical institutions in 13 districts of the country.

The Omicron variant was detected in all 89 clinical samples and the proportion was as follows: BA.5.x (71.9%), BE.x/BF.x/CK.х, which are a sub-variant of BA.5 (24.7%), BQ.1 (1.1%), BQ.1.4 (1.1%) and BN.1.3.1 - sub-variant of BA.2 (1.1%).

Pangolin COVID-19 Lineage Assigner v4.1.3. program was used to define SARS-CoV-2 variants. An epidemiological analysis is being carried out.

For information on the classification of SARS-CoV-2 variants and sub-variants, please visit: https://cov-lineages.org/index.html
For an up-to-date classification of the variants of concern (VOC), please visit:
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19/variants-concern
https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/

The NCIPD continues to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the country, with a focus on VOC, altered virulence and immunogenicity that are of increased public health importance.