Detection of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.526 with the Spike E484K mutation in South America

Abstract Here, we report two sequences of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant recently detected and designed as B.1.526. This variant carries the immune escape-associated mutation E484K and additional mutations in the S, N, NSP2, NSP3, NSP4, NSP6, NSP8, NSP12 and NSP13 genes. Viral sequences were obtained from an individual traveling from the US to Equator with a negative RT-PCR and from one of his closest contacts that became infected. These cases should be considered an alert for the potential circulation of a new variant of concern with the E484K mutation in South America