Phylogenetic Analyses of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.7 Lineage Suggest a Single Origin Followed by Multiple Exportation Events Versus Convergent Evolution

Abstract

The emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) herald a new phase of the pandemic. This study used state-of-the-art phylodynamic methods to ascertain that the rapid rise of B.1.1.7 "Variant of Concern" most likely occurred by global dispersal rather than convergent evolution from multiple sources.

Keywords: B.1.1.7; SARS-CoV-2; convergent evolution; phylogenetics; variant of concern.