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 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.
Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Paola Cristina
PC
Resende
Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Fernando Couto
FC
Motta
Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Priscila Silva
PS
Born
Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Milene
M
Miranda
Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Marilda M
MM
Siqueira
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D016679:Genome, Viral; D006801:Humans; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000235:genetics*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D012367:RNA, Viral