TY - JOUR
T1 - Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university identifies dynamics of transmission
AU - The Cambridge Covid-19 testing Centre
AU - University of Cambridge Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening Programme Consortium
AU - The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium
AU - Aggarwal, Dinesh
AU - Warne, Ben
AU - Jahun, Aminu S.
AU - Hamilton, William L.
AU - Fieldman, Thomas
AU - du Plessis, Louis
AU - Hill, Verity
AU - Blane, Beth
AU - Watkins, Emmeline
AU - Wright, Elizabeth
AU - Hall, Grant
AU - Ludden, Catherine
AU - Myers, Richard
AU - Hosmillo, Myra
AU - Chaudhry, Yasmin
AU - Pinckert, Malte L.
AU - Georgana, Iliana
AU - Izuagbe, Rhys
AU - Leek, Danielle
AU - Nsonwu, Olisaeloka
AU - Hughes, Gareth J.
AU - Packer, Simon
AU - Page, Andrew J.
AU - Metaxaki, Marina
AU - Fuller, Stewart
AU - Weale, Gillian
AU - Holgate, Jon
AU - Brown, Christopher A.
AU - Orton, Alexandra
AU - Douthwaite, Julie
AU - Rees, Steve
AU - Brown, Christopher
AU - Clark, Roger
AU - Jones, Daniel R.
AU - Kuenzi, Fred
AU - Rankin, Jennifer
AU - Waddell, Ian
AU - Maxwell, Patrick
AU - Matheson, Nicholas
AU - Abell, Chris
AU - Braithwaite, Vickie
AU - Brierley, Craig
AU - Crowcroft, Jon
AU - Dahal, Aastha
AU - Faulkner, Kathryn
AU - Glover, Michael
AU - Greatorex, Jane
AU - James, Laura
AU - Lehner, Paul
AU - Siveroni, Igor
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).
PY - 2022/12
Y1 - 2022/12
N2 - Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infection control measures and following a national lockdown. Transmission clusters were largely segregated within the university or the community. Our study highlights key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in a higher education setting that will inform public health policy during pandemics.
AB - Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infection control measures and following a national lockdown. Transmission clusters were largely segregated within the university or the community. Our study highlights key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in a higher education setting that will inform public health policy during pandemics.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85124325450&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/s41467-021-27942-w
DO - 10.1038/s41467-021-27942-w
M3 - Article
C2 - 35136068
AN - SCOPUS:85124325450
SN - 2041-1723
VL - 13
JO - Nature Communications
JF - Nature Communications
IS - 1
M1 - 751
ER -