Whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated from
Brazilian patients with mild illness during the 2014 season |
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Authors: | Paola Cristina Resende Fernando Couto Motta/ Priscila Silva Born Milene Miranda Marilda M Siqueira |
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Institution: | Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil |
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Abstract: | The influenza A(H3N2) virus has circulated worldwide for almost five decades and is
the dominant subtype in most seasonal influenza epidemics, as occurred in the 2014
season in South America. In this study we evaluate five whole genome sequences of
influenza A(H3N2) viruses detected in patients with mild illness collected from
January-March 2014. To sequence the genomes, a new generation sequencing (NGS)
protocol was performed using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. In addition to analysing
the common genes, haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix, our work also comprised
internal genes. This was the first report of a whole genome analysis with Brazilian
influenza A(H3N2) samples. Considerable amino acid variability was encountered in all
gene segments, demonstrating the importance of studying the internal genes. NGS of
whole genomes in this study will facilitate deeper virus characterisation,
contributing to the improvement of influenza strain surveillance in Brazil. |
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Keywords: | influenza H3N2 Ion Torrent NGS |
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