Genomic characterisation of respiratory syncytial virus: a novel system for whole genome sequencing and full-length G and F gene sequences

• Published in: Euro surveillance : bulletin européen sur les maladies transmissibles 2023-12, Vol.28 (49), p.1
• Main Authors: Iglesias-Caballero, María, Camarero-Serrano, Sara, Varona, Sarai, Mas, Vicente, Calvo, Cristina, García, María Luz, García-Costa, Juan, Vázquez-Morón, Sonia, Monzón, Sara, Campoy, Albert, Cuesta, Isabel, Pozo, Francisco, Casas, Inmaculada
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibodies, Viral; Epidemiology; Genomics; Health surveillance; Humans; Rapid Communication; Respiratory syncytial virus; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - diagnosis; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - epidemiology; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines - genetics; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human - genetics; Vaccines; Viral Fusion Proteins - genetics; Whole Genome Sequencing
• ISSN: 1560-7917; 1025-496X; 1560-7917
• DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.49.2300637

To advance our understanding of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) impact through genomic surveillance, we describe two PCR-based sequencing systems, (i) RSVAB-WGS for generic whole-genome sequencing and (ii) RSVAB-GF, which targets major viral antigens, G and F, and is used as a complement for challenging cases with low viral load. These methods monitor RSV genetic diversity to inform molecular epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness and treatment strategies, contributing also to the standardisation of surveillance in a new era of vaccines.