1. Genetic Diversity of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus during COVID-19 Pandemic in Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2020–2021.
- Author
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Moumbeket Yifomnjou, Moïse Henri, Monamele, Gwladys Chavely, Modiyinji, Abdou Fatawou, Njankouo-Ripa, Mohamadou, Onana, Boyomo, and Njouom, Richard
- Subjects
COVID-19 pandemic ,HUMAN genetic variation ,RESPIRATORY syncytial virus ,GENETIC variation ,HYPERVARIABLE regions - Abstract
Worldwide, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major cause of severe infections of the lower respiratory system, affecting individuals of all ages. This study investigated the genetic variability of HRSV during the COVID-19 outbreak in Yaoundé; nasopharyngeal samples positive for HRSV were collected from different age groups between July 2020 and October 2021. A semi-nested RT-PCR was performed on the second hypervariable region of the G gene of detected HRSV, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic assessment. Throughout the study, 40 (37.7%) of the 106 HRSV-positive samples successfully underwent G-gene amplification. HRSV A and HRSV B co-circulated at rates of 47.5% and 52.5%, respectively. HRSV A clustered in the GA2.3.5 genetic lineage (ON1) and HRSV B clustered in the GB5.0.5a genetic lineage (BA9). Differences in circulating genotypes were observed between pre- and post-pandemic years for HRSV A. Predictions revealed potential N-glycosylation sites at positions 237-318 of HRSV A and positions 228-232-294 of HRSV B. This study reports the molecular epidemiology of HRSV in Cameroon during the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the exclusive co-circulation of two genetic lineages. These findings highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive molecular surveillance to prevent the unexpected emergence of other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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