National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
Communication on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the country April 24, 2024

The NCIPD has successfully analyzed 28 clinical samples with SARS-CoV-2 by next-generation whole genome sequencing. The samples were collected from patients with COVID-19 from 8 regions of the country in the period 25.01-04.04.2024г and were sent by 13 laboratories.

Omicron and its subvariants were detected in all samples. Two variants of SARS-CoV-2, which have been identified by the WHO as variants of interest (VOIs), have been detected: 5(17.9%) BA.2, 21(75%) BA.2.86, аnd 2(7.1%) XBB.1.16.

Pangolin COVID-19 Lineage Assigner v4.3. 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 which are of increased public health importance.