Comparison of Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Taiwan and Other Countries

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202408_40(16).0001

Pei-Jiuan Chao^1*, Chia-ping Su², Wan-Chin Chen³

2024 Vol.40 NO.16

Correspondence Author： Pei-Jiuan Chao^1*

Abstract：

        Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants is helpful to understand the characteristics and evolution of the virus. World Health Organization recommended that countries regularly monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants and take corresponding public health actions based on the prevailing variants. Taiwan and many countries began genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 variants during the early COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we reviewed the relevant guidelines from international public health organizations on variant monitoring, and compared the genomic surveillance systems of Taiwan with those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Japan, and South Korea. Unlike Taiwan, the aforementioned countries adopted a collaborative approach involving government, academia, and industry for variant monitoring. Due to cross-agency collaboration, large amounts of data were stored in different databases, and surveillance systems were needed to integrate relevant resources and information. Genomic sequencing data was published in graphical form on websites, and some countries provided options to query by time or region. In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, we recommend incorporating SARS-CoV-2 variant monitoring into routine respiratory virus surveillance, strengthening monitoring in response to international epidemic situations, and improving data assessment to achieve maximum efficiency in variant monitoring.