SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating during the first wave of the pandemic in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Objectives: To determine the lineage distribution of the virus during the first wave of the pandemic in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Methods: A total of 20 samples with positive results based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were selected for virus culture and then performed whole-genome sequence analysis using next-generation sequencing which was applied by the Illumina MiSeq instrument.

Results: Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that the majority of our samples belong to lineages B.

Use of saliva as an alternative diagnostic method for diagnosis of COVID-19.

Background: Mass population testing has been recommended to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the use of nasopharyngeal swab specimens has caused many logistic challenges. This study investigated the sensitivity and specificity of saliva as a non-invasively-obtained specimen for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

The presence of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi in near malaria elimination setting in western Indonesia.

Background: Indonesia is progressing towards malaria elimination. To achieve this goal, intervention measures must be addressed to cover all Plasmodium species. Comprehensive control measures and surveillance programmes must be intensified.