| Title: |
Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university identifies dynamics of transmission |
| Authors: |
Aggarwal, D; Warne, B; Jahun, AS; Hamilton, WL; Fieldman, T; du Plessis, L; Hill, V; Blane, B; Watkins, E; Wright, E; Hall, G; Ludden, C; Myers, R; Hosmillo, M; Chaudhry, Y; Pinckert, ML; Georgana, I; Izuagbe, R; Leek, D; Nsonwu, O; Hughes, GJ; Packer, S; Page, AJ; Metaxaki, M; Fuller, S; Weale, G; Holgate, J; Brown, CA; Howes, R; McFarlane, D; Dougan, G; Pybus, OG; Angelis, DD; Maxwell, PH; Peacock, SJ; Weekes, MP; Illingworth, C; Harrison, EM; Matheson, NJ; Goodfellow, IG |
| Publisher Information: |
Nature Research |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
Oxford University Research Archive (ORA) |
| Description: |
Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infection control measures and following a national lockdown. Transmission clusters were largely segregated within the university or the community. Our study highlights key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in a higher education setting that will inform public health policy during pandemics. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1038/s41467-021-27942-w |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-27942-w; https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6c05292f-175e-4f15-a2eb-5e52b894b3b1 |
| Rights: |
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess ; CC Attribution (CC BY) |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.49489BC5 |
| Database: |
BASE |