Selection underlying evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Title : Selection underlying evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Abstract:

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious RNA virus that was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is the pathogen responsible for the present coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A large number of genetic variants of the original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain of the virus have rapidly evolved and spread throughout the world. Selective forces driving genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 differed between the early stages of the pandemic and later after widespread COVID-19 infection and vaccination. The different immunological and virological causes for the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their rapid spread will be summarized, and its evolution compared with that of the Influenza A RNA virus.

Audience take away:

• Appreciate molecular biology of RNA viruses, virus evolution and immunity to viruses
• Assist teaching of public health, epidemiology, immunology and virology
• Help develop research ideas to advance knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19
• Establish and promote collaborative research links in the field
• Improve knowledge of the current pandemic and help develop measures to mitigate its effects

Biography:

Ranjan Ramasamy obtained a BA and PhD from the University of Cambridge, UK. He has held academic appointments in the UK and abroad including Australia, Sri Lanka and the USA. He was the Chairman of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, and held Professorial appointments in Biochemistry, Immunology and Life Sciences. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), and a member of Committee for Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR) of the International Council for Science (ICSU) for several years. He has 300 publications pertaining to Biochemistry, Immunology and Infectious Diseases.