Richard J. Lessells

Identifying genomic surveillance gaps in Africa for the global public health response to West Nile Virus

The paper identifies gaps in genomic surveillance of West Nile Virus in Africa and proposes strategies to improve public health response.

An Oxford Nanopore Technology-Based Hepatitis B Virus Sequencing Protocol Suitable For Genomic Surveillance Within Clinical Diagnostic Settings.

The paper develops an Oxford Nanopore Technology-based protocol for HBV sequencing to improve genomic surveillance in clinical settings, generating full-genome sequences and detailed intra-patient diversity data.

Molecular Epidemiology and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia, 2020-2022

This study analyzes SARS-CoV-2 genomic data from Ethiopia to understand its introduction, spread, and evolution during the first four waves of the pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 Genetic diversity and lineage dynamics of in Egypt

This study analyzes SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity and lineage dynamics in Egypt, showing that lineage C.36 evolved into sub-lineages to maintain dominance despite immunity.

A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa

This study uses genomic data from 8746 SARS-CoV-2 genomes across 33 African countries to show that most epidemics were initiated by European importations and later driven by local transmission and mobility, leading to the spread of variants of concern.

Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: Adapting Illumina Protocols for Quick and Accurate Outbreak Investigation During a Pandemic

This paper describes adapting Illumina protocols for rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing during a hospital outbreak, reducing library prep time and sharing protocols with a genomics surveillance network.