Phylogenetic Analyses of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.7 Lineage Suggest a Single Origin Followed by Multiple Exportation Events Versus Convergent Evolution

The emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) herald a new phase of the pandemic. This study used state-of-the-art phylodynamic methods to ascertain that the rapid rise of B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern most likely occurred by global dispersal rather than convergent evolution from multiple sources.

Automated summary

The study suggests that the rapid rise of the B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern most likely occurred through global dispersal rather than convergent evolution from multiple sources.