Molecular Detection and Genetic Assessment of Influenza Viruses in Islamabad

Abstract

Influenza is an acute and potentially deadly respiratory virus that has an impact on public health globally and cause tremendous mortality and morbidity. In humans, recurring influenza epidemics are brought by two primary kinds of influenza viruses (A and B). Influenza has a unique seasonal pattern with clear peaks in the winter. Pakistan is one of those countries where influenza A is most prevalent and causes serious infections among all groups of ages. In this current study, the swab samples (n=25) were taken from patients having flu-like symptoms in Islamabad during the winter season of 2022-2023. The influenza samples were confirmed by PCR detection of the viral M gene. Subtype was confirmed by processing NA and HA genes and the H1N1 subtypes were identified throughout all samples. The identified N1 gene was further investigated through Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the current study sequences (isolate QAU-AS1) suggests clustering with a previously studied sequence from Washington and Nevada (Accession no. MK716148, MK399163); while isolate QAU-AS2 suggests clustering with sequence from South Africa (MN716554) representing an emerging subtype as compared to most of the reference sequences reported from the rest of the world. On the basis of current results, we suggest that the H1N1 subtype is still prevalent in Pakistan, and it needs to be investigated timely and effectively. The most productively initiative should be taken to speed up the vaccination process in the country. A further molecular study should be done for better understanding of HA as well as M gene of Influenza A virus.