Genomic Epidemiology of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Minnesota, USA, July 2023-February 2024

Abstract

We recently expanded the viral genomic surveillance program in Minnesota, USA, to include human respiratory syncytial virus. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 575 specimens collected at Minnesota healthcare facilities during July 2023-February 2024. Subgroups A and B differed in their genomic landscapes, and we identified 23 clusters of genetically identical genomes.

Keywords: Minnesota; Respiratory syncytial virus; genomic epidemiology; respiratory infections; viral surveillance; viruses.

Figure 1

Midpoint-rooted, time-scaled phylogenetic tree of RSV-A whole-genome sequences, Minnesota, USA, October 2023–January 2024. Tree was generated using Interactive Tree of Life (https://itol.embl.de) software. Column annotations denote (from left to right) month of specimen collection, whole-genome lineage classification, documentation of the infected case in the RSV-NET surveillance database for RSV-associated hospitalizations, and administration of nirsevimab before infection as documented in RSV-NET. Scale bar indicates estimated substitution rate calculated from inputs of time and phylogenetic distance. RSV, respiratory syncytial virus; RSV-NET, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network.

Figure 2

Midpoint-rooted, time-scaled phylogenetic tree of RSV-B whole-genome sequences, Minnesota, USA, October 2023–January 2024. Tree was generated using Interactive Tree of Life (https://itol.embl.de) software. Column annotations denote (from left to right) month of specimen collection, whole-genome lineage classification, documentation of the infected case in the RSV-NET surveillance database for RSV-associated hospitalizations, and the predicted nirsevimab resistance amino acid mutation K68N in the F protein gene sequence. Scale bar indicates estimated substitution rate calculated from inputs of time and phylogenetic distance. RSV, human respiratory syncytial virus; RSV-NET, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network.