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Genomic Characterization of Three Canadian Mumps Outbreaks Demonstrates Endemic Transmission in Canada
Jasmine Rae Frost1, Grace Eunchong Seo1, Kerry Dust2
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
Abstract:
Despite the provision of a mumps vaccination program in Canada for over three decades, mumps has not reached elimination. Instead, a re-emergence has been observed in vaccinated populations, particularly in young adults. These outbreaks have been almost exclusively due to genotype G infections, a trend that has been seen in other countries with high mumps vaccination rates. To characterize mumps outbreaks in Canada, genomes from samples from Manitoba (n = 209), Newfoundland (n = 25), and Nova Scotia (n = 48) were sequenced and analysed by Bayesian inference. Whole genome sequencing was shown to be highly discriminatory for outbreak investigations compared to traditional Sanger sequencing. The results showed that mumps virus genotype G most likely circulated endemically in Canada and between Canada and the US. Overall, this Canadian outbreak data from different provinces and ancestral strains demonstrates the benefits of molecular genomic data to better characterize mumps outbreaks, but also suggests genomics could further our understanding of the reasons for potential immune escape of mumps genotype G and evolution in highly vaccinated populations. With a possible endemic circulation of mumps genotype G and the remaining risk of new imported cases, increased surveillance and alternative vaccination strategies may be required for Canada to reach the current target for mumps or a future elimination status.
Insights
Mumps genotype G infections are re-emerging in vaccinated Canadian populations, suggesting endemic circulation. Enhanced genomic surveillance and vaccination strategies are needed for mumps elimination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Despite decades of mumps vaccination programs in Canada, mumps elimination has not been achieved.
- Re-emergence of mumps, primarily genotype G, is observed in vaccinated populations, especially young adults.
- This genotype G trend mirrors observations in other countries with high vaccination rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize mumps outbreaks in Canada using genomic sequencing.
- To investigate the endemic circulation and transmission patterns of mumps genotype G.
- To assess the utility of whole genome sequencing for mumps outbreak investigations.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing of mumps virus samples from Manitoba, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia.
- Bayesian inference analysis of genomic data.
- Comparison of whole genome sequencing with traditional Sanger sequencing for outbreak discrimination.
Main Results:
- Whole genome sequencing proved highly discriminatory for outbreak investigations.
- Mumps virus genotype G likely circulated endemically within Canada and between Canada and the US.
- Genomic data aids in understanding mumps genotype G evolution and potential immune escape in vaccinated populations.
Conclusions:
- Genomic data is crucial for characterizing mumps outbreaks and understanding viral evolution.
- Endemic circulation of mumps genotype G necessitates enhanced surveillance.
- Alternative vaccination strategies and increased surveillance may be required for future mumps elimination in Canada.
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