Phylogenetic pattern of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina: lessons learned to optimize future molecular and epidemiological approaches

Abstract

This is the first report of molecular and epidemiology findings from Bosnia and Herzegovina related to ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 epidemic. Whole genome sequence of four samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks was done in two laboratories in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Veterinary Faculty Sarajevo and Alea Genetic Center). All four BiH sequences cluster mainly with European ones (Italy, Austria, France, Sweden, Cyprus, and England). The constructed phylogenetic tree indicates possible multiple independent introduction events. The data presented contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 in the current reemergence of the disease.

FIGURE 1

Samples were collected from four geographically representative different regions in BH (right): Livno, Banja Luka, Tuzla and Sarajevo.

FIGURE 2

Phylogenetic tree of four SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences retrieved in this study, as well as sequences from different countries (n = 120 genome sequences). The phylogenetic tree was created using the Maximum Likelihood method, Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano substitution model as well as 1000 bootstrap replicates. Main clusters are highlighted in different colors. Certain branches have been collapsed and labels have been deleted for the ease of browsing.