Publication:

An overview of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Middle East

Studying genomic mutations and variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) provides a remarkable insight into the efficacy of the novel treatment and interventional modalities, like vaccines. The Middle East is one of the most burdened countries with COVID-19. Different reports from this region reported various mutations and variants of COVID-19. Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in the region. Evidence from studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region shows a great shifting to D614G from D614 variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the region. This is also similar to the patterns reported by other investigations on a worldwide level. In addition, single experiments also reported mutations that were not previously detected elsewhere, and some studies even linked some mutations and specific COVID-19 symptoms. These findings indicate the need to conduct further research in the region to validate the importance of these mutations and relate them with the effectiveness and manufacturing of the different therapeutic and interventional approaches.