First whole genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 virus isolates during COVID-19 outbreak in Tunisia, North Africa.

wasfi fares; Anissa Chouikha; Kais Ghedira; Mariem Gdoura; Dorra Rezig; Sondes Haddad Boubaker; Imene Ben Dhifallah; Henda Touzi; Walid Hammami; ZIna Meddeb; Amel Sedraoui; Nahed Hogga; Imen Abouda; Aurelia Kwasiborski; Veronique Hourdel; Guillain Mikaty; Valerie Caro; Jean-Claude Manuguerra; Nissaf Ben Alaya; Henda Triki

doi:10.22541/au.159137642.26983355

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First whole genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 virus isolates during COVID-19 outbreak in Tunisia, North Africa.

wasfi fares,
Anissa Chouikha,
Kais Ghedira,
Mariem Gdoura,
Dorra Rezig,
Sondes Haddad Boubaker,
Imene Ben Dhifallah,
Henda Touzi,
Walid Hammami,
ZIna Meddeb,
Amel Sedraoui,
Nahed Hogga,
Imen Abouda,
Aurelia Kwasiborski,
Veronique Hourdel,
Guillain Mikaty,
Valerie Caro,
Jean-Claude Manuguerra,
Nissaf Ben Alaya,
Henda Triki

Abstract

Full genomes sequences of six Tunisian SARS-CoV-2 strains were obtained from imported and locally transmission cases during the COVID-19 outbreak. Reported sequences were non-identical with 0.1% nucleotide divergence rate and clustered into 6 different clades with worldwide sequences. SNPs results favor the distribution of the reported Tunisian sequences into 3 major genotypes. These results indicate multiple introductions of the virus in Tunisia and add new genomic data on SARS-CoV-2 at the international level.