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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Molecular features of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 prevalent in Mexico during winter seasons 2012-2014
Rocío Arellano-Llamas1, Luis Alfaro-Ruiz1, Cristian Arriaga Canon2
1Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Since the emergence of the pandemic H1N1pdm09 virus in Mexico and California, biannual increases in the number of cases have been detected in Mexico. As observed in previous seasons, pandemic A/H1N1 09 virus was detected in severe cases during the 2011-2012 winter season and finally, during the 2013-2014 winter season it became the most prevalent influenza virus. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of the whole viral genome are necessary to determine the antigenic and pathogenic characteristics of influenza viruses that cause severe outcomes of the disease. In this paper, we analyzed the evolution, antigenic and genetic drift of Mexican isolates from 2009, at the beginning of the pandemic, to 2014. We found a clear variation of the virus in Mexico from the 2011-2014 season due to different markers and in accordance with previous reports. In this study, we identified 13 novel substitutions with important biological effects, including virulence, T cell epitope presented by MHC and host specificity shift and some others substitutions might have more than one biological function. The systematic monitoring of mutations on whole genome of influenza A pH1N1 (2009) virus circulating at INER in Mexico City might provide valuable information to predict the emergence of new pathogenic influenza virus.
Insights
The pandemic H1N1pdm09 virus evolved significantly in Mexico between 2011-2014, with novel genetic mutations impacting virulence and host specificity. Continuous genomic monitoring is crucial for predicting future pathogenic influenza strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The pandemic H1N1pdm09 virus emerged in 2009, causing significant public health concern.
- Biannual increases in H1N1pdm09 cases have been observed in Mexico since its emergence.
- The virus became the most prevalent influenza strain in Mexico during the 2013-2014 winter season.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolution, antigenic, and genetic drift of Mexican H1N1pdm09 isolates from 2009 to 2014.
- To identify genetic variations associated with severe outcomes and altered viral characteristics.
- To understand the molecular basis of H1N1pdm09 evolution in Mexico.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of H1N1pdm09 viral isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to track viral evolution and genetic relationships.
- Molecular analysis to identify specific mutations and their potential biological functions.
Main Results:
- Significant viral variation in Mexican H1N1pdm09 isolates was observed between the 2011-2014 seasons.
- Thirteen novel substitutions with potential biological effects were identified.
- These substitutions are linked to virulence, T cell epitope presentation, and host specificity shifts.
Conclusions:
- The H1N1pdm09 virus in Mexico has undergone notable evolution with implications for pathogenicity.
- Identified mutations suggest alterations in viral-host interactions and immune evasion.
- Systematic genomic surveillance of circulating influenza viruses is vital for predicting the emergence of novel pathogenic strains.
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