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1
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
Abstract citation ID: ofad500.1907
2285. Using Genomic Sequencing to Describe SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Dynamics in U.S. Major League Soccer Clubs
Joseline Velasquez-Reyes, BS, BA
1
; Ludy R. Carmola, Ph.D.
2
; Jacquelyn Turcinovic,
B.S.
3
; Isaac Schneider, BA
4
; Margot Putukian, MD
5
; Kyle Sherry, MS, ATC
5
;
Natalie Akula, ATC, MBA
5
; Owen Rischmann, BA
5
; Holly Silvers-Granelli, PhD, PT
5
;
Bradley A. Connor, MD
6
; Kristina Angelo, DO, MPH&TM
7
; Phyllis E. Kozarsky,
MD
2
; Michael Libman
8
; Ralph Huits, MD, PhD
9
; Davidson H. Hamer, MD
10
;
Daniel Bourque, MD
11
; Jessica K. Fairley, MD MPH
12
; Anne Piantadosi, MD, PhD
2
;
John Connor, Ph.D.
3
;
1
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts;
2
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia;
3
Boston University, Boston,
Massachusetts;
4
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia;
5
Major League Soccer, New York, New York;
6
New York Center for Travel and
Tropical Medicine, New York, New York;
7
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia;
8
McGill University;
9
IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don
Calabria, Verona, Veneto, Italy;
10
Boston University School of Public Health, MA;
11
Boston Medical Center / Boston University School of Medicine, Boston,
Massachusetts;
12
Emory University, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia
Session: 231. COVID-19: Epidemiology and Screening
Saturday, October 14, 2023: 12:15 PM
Background. In 2020–2022, U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) used SARS-CoV-2
mitigation protocols that included masking, social distancing,avoiding contact with oth-
ers outside of training and games, testing, quarantine, and isolation. In addition to iso-
lation for those who tested positive, a SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing strategy was
developed to identify whether infections were associated with intra-league transmission.
Methods. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected by MLS club medical staff from
players and staff from February 2021 through September 2022. During this time, sur-
veillance testing changed from daily to weekly to testing only symptomatic players and
staff.
SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were analyzed using amplicon-based whole genome
sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Nextstrain to visualize genomes
from infected players and staff in the context of genomes available on GISAID
circulating in the United States during corresponding time periods. To identify
transmission links, all genomes were compared in a pairwise fashion. Genomes that
were 0–2 nucleotides different were considered part of direct transmission clusters.
Results. Of 250 samples that were rtPCR positive for SARS-CoV-2, 215 (86%)
were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed a broad diversity of lineages, including
some predominant overseas (e.g., AY.98.1). Pairwise comparison revealed
SARS-CoV-2 sequences from 7 individuals appeared to be linked. These individuals
were on 2 different MLS teams; there was an off-field exposure (dinner). Five (71%)
had identical SARS-CoV-2 sequences; 2 had sequences that were 1 nucleotide differ-
ent at the consensus level. Subconsensus genome analysis revealed that differences of 1
nucleotide were due to subconsensus mutations fluctuating below and above 50%,
suggesting all 7 individuals were part of a transmission cluster. Phylogenetic analysis
revealed that the sequences from the cluster were distinct from reference sequences
and were likely a unique transmission chain.
Conclusion. SARS-CoV-2 transmission may occur within, and even between,
professional sports teams. Pairwise comparison of individual genomes can provide
improved granularity to identify clusters and understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Disclosures. Davidson H. Hamer, MD, Kephera Diagnostics: Grant/Research
Support|Takeda: Advisor/Consultant|Takeda: Grant/Research Support|Trinity
Biotech, LLC: Advisor/Consultant|Valneva: Advisor/Consultant|Valneva: Grant/
Research Support Daniel Bourque, MD, Kephera Diagnostics: Grant/Research
Support
Poster Abstracts •OFID 2023:10 (Suppl 2) •S971
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