2021 Project: University of Mississippi Medical Center

Spatiotemporal sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Mississippi

What to know

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (used genomic sequencing to research viral emergence and evolution and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a focus on racial disparities between African Americans and Caucasians. Researchers performed genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples collected through the state of Mississippi through a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Health.

Decorative image with words "2021" and "SARS-CoV-2"

Findings on SARS-CoV-2 variant characteristics

This project:

  • Performed genomic sequencing in 81 of the 82 counties across the state, with analyses of prevaccination and postvaccination samples.
  • Shared results with national data repositories to provide insight into the SARS-CoV-2 transmission rate based on race.
  • Sequenced >6,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from a diverse population throughout the state of Mississippi, which involved collaboration with the Mississippi State Department of Health to sequence another 4,000 sequences to complement the goals of this project.
  • Learn more about this public health partnership for variant surveillance.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)