A. von Gottberg

Rapid Emergence and Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Advanced HIV Infection

This study shows that advanced HIV infection leads to high intra-host SARS-CoV-2 spike diversity and adaptive evolution, potentially contributing to new variants of concern.

Geographic migration and vaccine-induced fitness changes of Streptococcus pneumoniae

The paper uses genomic data to study geographic spread and fitness changes in Streptococcus pneumoniae strains before and after vaccine implementation.

Selection analysis identifies unusual clustered mutational changes in Omicron lineage BA.1 that likely impact Spike function

The paper identifies 13 rare mutations in the Omicron S-gene that cluster in functionally important regions and likely impact Spike function, suggesting cooperative interactions that mitigate fitness costs.

SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 pseudovirus escapes neutralization by South African convalescent plasma but not binding, suggesting potential for reinfection and reduced vaccine efficacy.

A novel mosaic tetracycline resistance gene tet(S/M) detected in a multidrug-resistant pneumococcal CC230 lineage that underwent capsular switching in South Africa

The paper identifies a novel tetracycline resistance gene tet(S/M) in a multidrug-resistant pneumococcal lineage in South Africa and links its spread to HIV treatment and vaccine implementation.

Global emergence and population dynamics of divergent serotype 3 CC180 pneumococci

This study analyzes global serotype 3 pneumococcal isolates to show a recent emergence of Clade II with antibiotic resistance and antigenic diversity, not linked to PCV13 usage.