The National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD) reports that 88 clinical samples with SARS-CoV-2 collected from 05 May – 03 June 2022 were analyzed by next-generation whole-genome sequencing. The clinical samples were collected in 13 different medical centers, from 16 districts of the country.

For the first time in Bulgaria sub-variants BA.5 have been identified in Sofia (capital city) and Kyustendil district.

All 88 samples were defined as Omicron. The ratio of Omicron sublineages was as follows: BA.2 (76.1%) and BA.2 including its sub-variants (92%). BA.5 was found in (8%) of the samples.

Pangolin COVID-19 Lineage Assigner v4.0.6. 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.