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Updated: Jul 20, 2025

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Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Published on: April 4, 2019
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Rhinovirus Genotypes Circulating in Bulgaria, 2018-2021
Irina Georgieva1, Asya Stoyanova1, Svetla Angelova2
1Department of Virology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1233 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Viruses
|July 29, 2023
Summary
This study identified 34 Rhinovirus (RV) genotypes in Bulgaria from 2018-2021. Rhinovirus A and C were most common, with Rhinovirus C prevalence increasing post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rhinoviruses (RV) are major causes of respiratory illness with significant socioeconomic impact.
- Limited data exists on circulating RV genotypes in Bulgaria, as RV infections are not notifiable.
- Understanding RV diversity is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity of circulating Rhinovirus genotypes in Bulgaria between 2018 and 2021.
- To analyze RV species and genotype distribution in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI).
- To provide the first comprehensive report on RV genotypes in Bulgaria.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and VP4-VP2 region of RV isolates.
- Screening of 1385 nasopharyngeal swabs for RV, with 166 positive samples (11.99% detection rate).
- Genotyping of 63 RV-positive samples with a cycle threshold <25.
Main Results:
- Successfully genotyped 63 RV isolates into 34 distinct genotypes across Rhinovirus A (RV-A), Rhinovirus B (RV-B), and Rhinovirus C (RV-C) species.
- RV-A and RV-C were the predominant species.
- A shift in prevalence was observed: RV-A was more frequent pre-COVID-19, while RV-C predominated post-COVID-19.
- Presumptive recombination events were detected in three isolates.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first detailed characterization of RV genotypes circulating in Bulgaria.
- The findings highlight the dynamic circulation of RV species, with a notable increase in RV-C post-COVID-19.
- The data contributes valuable insights into RV epidemiology in Eastern Europe and informs future public health interventions.
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