Genome-wide study of globally distributed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains implicates diversification utilizing phylodynamics and mutational analysis

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen that causes mild cold-like symptoms and severe lower respiratory tract infections, causing hospitalizations in children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Due to genetic variability, this virus causes life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young infants. Thus, we examined 3600 whole genome sequences submitted to GISAID by 31 December 2022 to examine the genetic variability of RSV. While RSVA and RSVB coexist throughout RSV seasons, RSVA is more prevalent, fatal, and epidemic-prone in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China. Additionally, the virus's attachment glycoprotein and fusion protein were highly mutated, with RSVA having higher Shannon entropy than RSVB. The genetic makeup of these viruses contributes significantly to their prevalence and epidemic potential. Several strain-specific SNPs co-occurred with specific haplotypes of RSVA and RSVB, followed by different haplotypes of the viruses. RSVA and RSVB have the highest linkage probability at loci T12844A/T3483C and G13959T/C2198T, respectively. The results indicate that specific haplotypes and SNPs may significantly affect their spread. Overall, this analysis presents a promising strategy for tracking the evolving epidemic situation and genetic variants of RSV, which could aid in developing effective control, prophylactic, and treatment strategies.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Genetic Diversity of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Patients with Influenza-like Illness in Sicily (Italy) from 2017 to 2023

“…Among the structural proteins, N and M showed the lowest variability, and low frequencies of non-synonymous AA changes were found in P, L and M2-1 proteins, thus confirming what has recently been proposed elsewhere [77,78]. Conversely, the small hydrophobic protein exhibited the highest proportion of mutated AA sites, suggesting a strong selective pressure on this genetic region [79], as similarly observed for the nonstructural proteins M2-2 and NS2 in both hRSV-A and hRSV-B isolates [77,78,80].…”

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines: Analysis of Pre-Marketing Clinical Trials for Immunogenicity in the Population over 50 Years of Age

“…These elements are encapsulated within a lipid membrane expressing the fusion (F), attachment (G), and small hydrophobic (SH) proteins [32]. RSV is characterized by genetic variability and classified into two predominant strains, A and B [33]. Strain A seems to be more commonly identified in infected individuals and is concurrently linked to a more pronounced and severe manifestation of the disease [33,34].…”

“…RSV is characterized by genetic variability and classified into two predominant strains, A and B [33]. Strain A seems to be more commonly identified in infected individuals and is concurrently linked to a more pronounced and severe manifestation of the disease [33,34].…”

Recent Progress toward the Discovery of Small Molecules as Novel Anti-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Agents

“…15 Strains from both groups can circulate simultaneously during outbreaks, but the proportions of A and B and subtypes vary from year to year. 16,17 Moreover, these genotypes may be joined by others that emerge periodically and may become the predominant circulating strains worldwide.…”

“…Taxonomically, RSV belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Orthopneumovirus, order Mononegavirales, and the two major antigenic subtypes A and B are further subdivided into 9 RSV A genotypes and 32 RSV B genotypes . Strains from both groups can circulate simultaneously during outbreaks, but the proportions of A and B and subtypes vary from year to year. , Moreover, these genotypes may be joined by others that emerge periodically and may become the predominant circulating strains worldwide.…”