The NCIPD has successfully analyzed 65 clinical samples with SARS-CoV-2 by next-generation whole genome sequencing. The samples were collected from patients with COVID-19 between 01-22.11.2022 and were sent from 13 different medical institutions in 12 districts of the country.

The Omicron variant was detected in all clinical samples and the proportion was as follows: BA.5.x (52.3%), BE.x/BF.x, which are a sub-variant of BA.5 (35.4%), BQ.1.1 (1.5%), BQ.1.1.18 (6.2%), BQ.1.1.3 (1.5%), and two subvariants of BA.2 (3.1%) respectively BN.1.3.1 and CH.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-CaoV-2 in the country, with a focus on VOC, altered virulence and immunogenicity that are of increased public health importance.