SARS-CoV-2 Phylogenomics: The Colombian-Venezuelan-Border Case

The Venezuelan crisis is a complex issue that has had a profound impact on its citizens, compelling many to leave the country, often on foot. Currently, more than 6 million Venezuelans reside abroad, with over 2 million residing in Colombia, where a large portion often face precarious conditions. Colombia, due to its geographical, cultural, and historical proximity, has been the primary destination for Venezuelan migrants. The closure of the Colombian-Venezuelan border has presented a longstanding challenge for Venezuelan migrants and Colombian residents alike. The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to this ongoing situation. In response to the border closure, informal pathways known as “trochas” have become the primary means of crossing between the two countries, even during the pandemic. These “trochas” lack law enforcement presence and medical oversight, making measures such as lockdowns and contact tracing impractical. Therefore, it is imperative to study the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within this population to comprehend its impact, monitor the emergence of new variants, and trace the origins of the virus. This chapter aims to review the phylogenomic of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Venezuelan migrants residing in Colombia, shedding light on critical aspects of the virus’s circulation in this context.