Application of deep sequencing methods for inferring viral population diversity

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Deep sequencing emerged in 2005, revolutionizing genetic investigations.
• Decreasing costs and increasing data have driven its application in viral studies, especially RNA viruses.
• It provides high-resolution data on viral population genetics, epidemiology, and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review deep sequencing platforms used in viral quasispecies studies.
• To discuss recent applications in viral evolution, drug resistance, and immune selection.
• To highlight the role of deep sequencing in understanding emerging and re-emerging viruses.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on deep sequencing platforms.
• Analysis of studies focusing on viral quasispecies, evolution, and drug resistance.
• Synthesis of findings related to humoral immune selection and viral diversity.

Main Results:

• Deep sequencing provides comprehensive data on viral population diversity.
• It has been instrumental in documenting viral epidemiology and evolution.
• Applications span inter- and intrahost evolution, drug resistance, and immune selection in viruses.

Conclusions:

• Deep sequencing is becoming the standard method for analyzing viral population diversity.
• Its application is crucial for studying emerging and re-emerging viral threats.
• The technology offers unparalleled resolution for genetic investigations of viral genomes.