Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus circulated in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 2011 to 2017: Predominance of ON1 and BA9 genotypes

Abstract

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus is the main cause of acute respiratory infections leading to a considerable morbidity and mortality among under-5 years children. A comprehensive scheme of RSV virus evolution is of great value in implementing effective universal RSV vaccine.

Objective: We investigated the clinical spectrum and molecular characteristics of detected RSV over a period of seven years (January 2011 to June 2017) in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar.

Study design: 671 nasopharyngeal samples taken from children aged less than 5 years suffered from ARI were screened for RSV by real-time PCR. Clinical data were retrieved from case report forms. Genotype identification was performed by reverse-transcription PCR and sequencing of the second hyper variable region (HVR2) of the G glycoprotein.

Results: Amongst samples tested, 292 (43.5 %) were found positive for RSV. RSV A predominated during the study period which accounted for 62.3 % (182/292) of positive samples while RSV B represented 37.0 % (108/292). Phylogenetic analyses identified NA1 and ON1 genotypes among RSV A. Though NA1 widespread from 2011 to 2013, ON1 became prevalent during the following years. Among RSV B, THB, CB1 and BA9 genotypes were detected. A co-circulation of THB and CB1 strains occurred during the 2011 season that was substituted by the BA9 from 2012. Malagasy ON1 strains carried some characteristic amino acid substitutions that distinguish them from the worldwide ON1 strains. By analyzing clinical spectrum, ON1 and BA genotypes seemed to prevail in mild infections compared to NA1.

Conclusion: Results obtained here will have its implication in predicting temporal evolution of RSV at the local level. Considering the insularity of the country, information obtained should help in comparative analysis with global RSV strains to optimize vaccine efficacy.

Keywords: Acute respiratory infection; Antananarivo; Clinical spectrum; Genetic diversity; Madagascar; Respiratory syncytial virus.