SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 dominated the fifth COVID-19
epidemiological wave in Mexico
Abstract
In Mexico, the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants dominated the fifth
epidemic wave (summer 2022), superseding BA.2, which had circulated
during the inter-wave period. The present study uses genome sequencing
and statistical and phylogenetic analyses to examine these variants’
prevalence, distribution, and genetic diversity in Mexico from April to
August 2022. Over 35% of the sequenced genomes in this period
corresponded to the BA.2 variant, 8% to the BA.4, and 56% to the BA.5
variant. Multiple subvariants were identified, but only BA.2.9,
BA.2.12.1, BA.5.1, BA.5.2, BA.5.2.1, and BA.4.1 circulated throughout
the fifth wave across the entire country, not forming geographical
clusters. Contrastingly, other subvariants exhibited a geographically
restricted distribution, most notably in the Southeast region, which
showed a distinct subvariant dynamic. This study supports previous
results showing that this region may be a major entry point and may have
contributed to the introduction and evolution of novel variants in
Mexico. Furthermore, a differential distribution was observed for
certain subvariants among specific States throughout time, which may
have contributed to the overall increased diversity observed during this
wave compared to the previous one. This study highlights the importance
of sustaining genomic surveillance to identify novel variants that may
impact public health.