Genetic Divergence of H1N1pdm09 in Saudi Arabia: Unveiling a Novel N-Glycosylation Site and Its Role in Vaccine Mismatch.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Influenza A virus undergoes continuous antigenic drift, necessitating annual vaccine reformulation. Saudi Arabia faces unique epidemiological challenges owing to mass gatherings during religious pilgrimages and the dynamic movement of foreign workers. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of influenza A viruses circulating in Riyadh and to assess their match with vaccine strains during the 2024-2025 period. Methods: Nasopharyngeal samples (n = 363) were collected from patients presenting with influenza-like illness. RT-PCR was used for detection and subtyping. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the complete HA and NA gene sequences from A/H1N1pdm09 strains

SUBMITTER: Abdulgader SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12656348 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature