SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Brazil: A Systematic Review with Scientometric Analysis

Several studies have monitored the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Brazil throughout the pandemic. Here, we systematically reviewed and conducted a scientometric analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance studies using Brazilian samples. A Pubmed database search on October 2022 returned 492 articles, of which 106 were included. Ninety-six different strains were reported, with variant of concern (VOC) gamma (n = 35,398), VOC delta (n = 15,780), and the variant of interest zeta (n = 1983) being the most common. The top three states with the most samples in the published articles were Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. Whereas the first year of the pandemic presented primary circulation of B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33 variants, consecutive replacements were observed between them and VOI zeta, VOC gamma, VOC delta, and VOC omicron. VOI mu, VOI lambda, VOC alpha, and VOC beta were also detected but failed to reach significant circulation. Co-infection, re-infection, and vaccine breakthrough reports were found. Article co-citation differed from the co-authorship structure. Despite the limitations, we expect to give an overview of Brazil's genomic surveillance studies and contribute to future research execution.

Automated summary

This study systematically reviewed and conducted a scientometric analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance studies in Brazil. The findings revealed 96 different strains, with VOC gamma, VOC delta, and VOI zeta being the most common. The states with the highest number of samples in published articles were Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. The study also discovered cases of co-infection, re-infection, and vaccine breakthrough.