Molecular genetics features of the epidemic season 2017-2018 on the influenza in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Influenza viruses are a constant global public health problem. Virological surveillance of influenza
is an important tool for the early detection of new genetic variants of viruses of epidemiological and
clinical significance.
The purpose of this study is to determine the molecular genetic characteristics of influenza viruses circulating in Kazakhstan during the 2017-2018 epidemiological season. gene sequences of twelve
strains of influenza A virus (subtype H1N1pdm09-9, subtype H3N2-3) and ten strains of influenza B
virus (genotype B / Victoria-2, genotype B / Yamagata-8) were studied in non-licensing sites of the republic. According to phylogenetic analysis, all the sequenced influenza A / H1N1pdm09 strains belonged to
clade 6B.1. Influenza A / H3N2 viruses were distinguished by significant genetic diversity – the studied
viruses belonged to several phylogenetic groups and subgroups, with a predominance of viruses similar
to the vaccine strain. It was found that the majority of the detected influenza B viruses in Kazakhstan
belonged to the B / Yamagata lineage and belonged to clade 3. The results of this study confirm the
importance of continuous monitoring of mutational variability and phylogenetic analysis of circulating
strains in the selection of vaccine strains for specific prevention of influenza and antiviral drugs.
Key words: influenza virus, molecular genetic analysis, phylogenetic analysis, vaccine strai