Genomic surveillance of genes encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to monitor for emerging variants on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea

Introduction The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been fueled by new variants emerging from circulating strains. Here, we report results a genomic surveillance study of SARS-CoV-2 on Jeju Island, Republic Korea, February 2021 to September 2022. Methods A total 3,585 positive samples were analyzed Sanger sequencing the gene encoding spike protein before performing phylogenetic analyses. Results We found that Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) was dominant in May being replaced Delta (B.1.617.2) July 2021, which until December Omicron variant. Mutations protein, including N440K and G446S, have proposed contribute immune evasion, accelerating spread variants. Discussion Our Juju are consistent with global efforts crucial for identifying concern monitoring transmission dynamics characteristics known