Whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated from Brazilian patients with mild illness during the 2014 season

The influenza A(H3N2) virus has circulated worldwide for almost five decades and isthe dominant subtype in most seasonal influenza epidemics, as occurred in the 2014season in South America. In this study we evaluate five whole genome sequences ofinfluenza A(H3N2) viruses detected in patients with mild illness collected fromJanuary-March 2014. To sequence the genomes, a new generation sequencing (NGS)protocol was performed using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. In addition to analysingthe common genes, haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix, our work also comprisedinternal genes. This was the first report of a whole genome analysis with Brazilianinfluenza A(H3N2) samples. Considerable amino acid variability was encountered in allgene segments, demonstrating the importance of studying the internal genes. NGS ofwhole genomes in this study will facilitate deeper virus characterisation,contributing to the improvement of influenza strain surveillance in Brazil.