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- Title
Genomic Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmission Among University Students in Western Pennsylvania.
- Authors
Srinivasa, Vatsala Rangachar; Griffith, Marissa P; Waggle, Kady D; Johnson, Monika; Zhu, Lei; Williams, John V; Marsh, Jane W; Tyne, Daria Van; Harrison, Lee H; Martin, Elise M
- Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) control on college campuses is challenging given communal living and student social dynamics. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission among college students is important for the development of optimal control strategies. Methods SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab samples were collected from University of Pittsburgh students for symptomatic testing and asymptomatic surveillance from August 2020 through April 2021 from 3 campuses. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 308 samples, and contact tracing information collected from students was used to identify transmission clusters. Results We identified 31 Pangolin lineages of SARS-CoV-2, the majority belonging to B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.2 lineages. Contact tracing identified 142 students (46%) clustering with each other; WGS identified 53 putative transmission clusters involving 216 students (70%). WGS identified transmissions that were missed by contact tracing. However, 84 cases (27%) could not be linked by either WGS or contact tracing. Clusters were most frequently linked to students residing in the same dormitory, off-campus roommates, friends, or athletic activities. Conclusions The majority of SARS-CoV-2–positive samples clustered by WGS, indicating significant transmission across campuses. The combination of WGS and contact tracing maximized the identification of SARS-CoV-2 transmission on campus. WGS can be used as a strategy to mitigate, and further prevent transmission among students.
- Subjects
PENNSYLVANIA; SARS-CoV-2; UNIVERSITY of Pittsburgh; INFECTIOUS disease transmission; COLLEGE students; CONTACT tracing; CORONAVIRUS diseases
- Publication
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2023, Vol 228, Issue 1, p37
- ISSN
0022-1899
- Publication type
Case Study
- DOI
10.1093/infdis/jiad041