Molecular Surveillance Reveals <i>F</i>-Gene Mutations and Constrained <i>G</i>-Gene Evolution in Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Implications for Vaccine Efficacy in Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) is a major global cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children. With recent approval of pre-fusion F protein-based vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, ongoing molecular surveillance is critical. This study examined HRSV molecular epidemiology and evolution in Riyadh, focusing on mutations in the attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins and their potential impact on vaccine efficacy.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) (200 samples) were collected from pediatric patients. HRSV-positive samples were typed, and the G gene hypervariable region and F gene were sequenced. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify circulating genotypes and amino acid substitutions.

SUBMITTER: Farrag MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12737416 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature