Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university identifies dynamics of transmission

Dinesh Aggarwal*, Ben Warne, Aminu S. Jahun, William L. Hamilton, Thomas Fieldman, Louis du Plessis, Verity Hill, Beth Blane, Emmeline Watkins, Elizabeth Wright, Grant Hall, Catherine Ludden, Richard Myers, Myra Hosmillo, Yasmin Chaudhry, Malte L. Pinckert, Iliana Georgana, Rhys Izuagbe, Danielle Leek, Olisaeloka NsonwuGareth J. Hughes, Simon Packer, Andrew J. Page, Marina Metaxaki, Stewart Fuller, Gillian Weale, Jon Holgate, Christopher A. Brown, The Cambridge Covid-19 testing Centre, University of Cambridge Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening Programme Consortium, The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Rob Howes, Duncan McFarlane, Gordon Dougan, Oliver G. Pybus, Daniela De Angelis, Patrick H. Maxwell, Sharon J. Peacock, Michael P. Weekes, Chris Illingworth, Ewan M. Harrison*, Nicholas J. Matheson*, Ian G. Goodfellow*, Matthew Bashton, Darren L. Smith, Gregory R. Young, Clare M. McCann, Andrew Nelson, Wen C. Yew, Hannah Jones

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)
19 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number751
Pages (from-to)1-16
Number of pages16
JournalNature Communications
Volume13
Issue number1
Early online date8 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

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