Multiple Sources of Genetic Diversity of Influenza A Viruses during the Hajj.

ABSTRACT: Outbreaks of respiratory virus infection at mass gatherings pose significant health risks to attendees, host communities, and ultimately the global population if they help facilitate viral emergence. However, little is known about the genetic diversity, evolution, and patterns of viral transmission during mass gatherings, particularly how much diversity is generated by in situ transmission compared to that imported from other locations. Here, we describe the genome-scale evolution of influenza A viruses sampled from the Hajj pilgrimages at Makkah during 2013 to 2015. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the diversity of influenza viruses at the Hajj pilgrimages was shaped by multiple introduction events, comprising multiple cocirculating lineages in each year, including those that ha

SUBMITTER: Cobbin JCA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5432881 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature