CurSa

CurSa curates SARS-CoV-2 metadata and samples genome sequences to produce geographically resolved datasets for phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses.

Key Features:

• Metadata Curation: Automates correction of geographic metadata errors and inconsistencies in GISAID entries to improve location accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 sample records.
• Sample Genome Sampling: Performs random sampling of genome sequences from specified countries or regions to create manageable datasets for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies.
• Integration with Nextstrain and Microreact: Prepares curated metadata and sampled genomes for visualization in Nextstrain and Microreact to support tracking of pathogen evolution and spread.

Scientific Applications:

• Evolutionary analyses: Enables phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 by providing curated metadata and representative sampled genomes.
• Phylogeography: Supports study of geographical distribution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 through corrected location metadata.
• Mutation surveillance: Facilitates analysis of mutation patterns by ensuring accurate sample metadata and controlled sampling.
• Public health surveillance: Improves data quality for tracking viral spread to inform public health responses.

Methodology:

CurSa employs Perl scripts to automate metadata curation (correction of errors) and performs random sampling of genome sequences from specified countries or regions, with outputs prepared for Nextstrain and Microreact.