[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed]<\/i> A large community surveillance study in the UK found evidence for increases in S-gene target failures (SGTF) of SARS-CoV-2, consistent with expansion of the B.1.1.7 variant, at a time in mid-November when non-SGTF strains were stable or declining. Data were analyzed from nose and throat swabs (n=1,553,687) collected from September 28, 2020 to January 2,2021 and tested by RT-PCR. Rates of symptomatic SGTF infections were similar to asymptomatic SGTF infections, and the authors suggest that asymptomatic infections may contribute substantially to B.1.1.7 spread. SGTF positivity rates increased on average 6% more rapidly than rates of non-SGTF positives. Excess growth rates for SGTF vs non-SGTF positives were similar in those up to high school age (5%) and older individuals (6%).<\/p>\n
Walker et al. (Jan 15, 2021). Increased Infections, but Not Viral Burden, with a New SARS-CoV-2 Variant. Pre-print downloaded Jan 25 from <\/i>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1101\/2021.01.13.21249721<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] A large community surveillance study in the UK found evidence for increases in S-gene target failures (SGTF) of SARS-CoV-2, consistent with expansion of the B.1.1.7 variant, at a time in mid-November when non-SGTF strains were stable or declining. Data were analyzed from nose and throat swabs (n=1,553,687) collected from September 28, 2020…<\/p>\n