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Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Variants During the 2023 Flu Season and Beyond in Lebanon
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  • Sima Tokajian,
  • Ibrahim Al Kodsi,
  • Douaa El Rayes,
  • Jad Koweyes,
  • Charbel Al Khoury,
  • Kelven Rahy,
  • Sergio Thoumi,
  • Marc Chamoun,
  • Hoda Haddad,
  • Jacques Mokhbat
Sima Tokajian
Lebanese American University - Byblos Campus

Corresponding Author:stokajian@lau.edu.lb

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Ibrahim Al Kodsi
Lebanese American University - Byblos Campus
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Douaa El Rayes
Lebanese American University - Byblos Campus
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Jad Koweyes
Lebanese American University - Byblos Campus
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Charbel Al Khoury
Lebanese American University - Byblos Campus
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Kelven Rahy
Lebanese American University School of Medicine
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Sergio Thoumi
Lebanese American University School of Arts and Sciences
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Marc Chamoun
Serhal Hospital Laboratory Department
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Hoda Haddad
Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital
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Jacques Mokhbat
Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital
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Abstract

Early SARS-CoV-2 variant detection relies on testing and genomic surveillance. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has quickly become the dominant type among the previous circulating variants worldwide. Several subvariants have emerged exhibiting greater infectivity and immune evasion. In this study we aimed at studying the prevalence of the Omicron subvariants during the flu season and beyond in Lebanon through genomic screening and at determining the overall standing and trajectory of the pandemic in the country. A total of 155 RNA samples were sequenced and 39 Omicron variants were detected. XBB.1.5 (23.29%) was the most common, followed by XBB.1.9.1 (10.96%) and XBB.1.42 (7.5%). The first batch collected between September and November 2022, included the BA.2.75.2, BA.5.2, BA.5.2.20, BA.5.2.25 and BQ.1.1.5 lineages. Between December 2022 and January 2023, those lineages were replaced by BA.2.75.5, BN.1, BN.1.4, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, BQ.1.1.23, CH.1.1, CM.4 and XBK. Starting February 2023, we observed a gradual emergence and dominance of the recombinant XBB and its sub-lineages (XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.5.2, XBB.1.5.3, XBB.1.9, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.9.2, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.22 and XBB.1.42). The timely detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variants is important to reduce transmission through established disease control measures and to avoid introductions into animal populations that could lead to serious public health implications.