Molecular Evolution of Influenza A Viruses From Mauritius, 2017–2019

Magalutcheemee Ramuth; Janaki Sonoo; Fhooblall Mokshanand; Belinda Herring; Tessema Sofonias; John McCauley; Ashwamed Dinasing; Florette K. Treurnicht

doi:10.1111/irv.70108

journal article Open Access May 01, 2025

Molecular Evolution of Influenza A Viruses From Mauritius, 2017–2019

Janaki Sonoo Fhooblall Mokshanand Belinda Herring Tessema Sofonias John McCauley Ashwamed Dinasing Florette K. Treurnicht

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Vol. 19 No. 5 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/irv.70108

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background
Despite being a vaccine preventable disease, influenza remains a burden in African countries. In Mauritius, influenza virus activity is year‐round but evidence‐based data to guide vaccination and pandemic preparedness strategies are lacking. This study aimed to describe the genetic diversity of influenza A viruses detected in Mauritius between 2017 and 2019.

Methods
Influenza A/H1N1pdm09 and A/H3N2 virus isolates were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology. Sequence reads assembled by CZ ID and Genome Detective web‐based tools were uploaded to the EpiFlu database of the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis were performed using Nextclade and MEGA XI software. BioEdit software was used to view amino acid substitutions compared to annual vaccine strains. Prediction of potential N‐linked glycosylation (PNG) sites was determined by NetNGlyc 1.0.

Results
Influenza A was predominant (92.6%), with A/H1N1pdm09 prevailing overall (62.5%) but A/H3N2 dominating in 2017 (55.9%). Phylogenetic analysis identified clade 6B dominance for A/H1N1pdm09, with notable substitutions E119K, Q136K and D151E linked to antigenic changes. A/H3N2 exhibited significant genetic diversity, with co‐circulation of 3C.2a4 and 3C.2a1 in 2017 while 2018 predominant subclade 3C.2a1b.1 highlights continued antigenic drift. Loss of PNG sites at position 158 (11/21; 52.4%) in HA and position 329 (81.0%, 17/21) in NA of A/H3N2 viruses were observed.

Conclusions
Continued evolution of A/H1N1pdm09 and A/H3N2 viruses in Mauritius highlights the need for sustained genomic surveillance to inform vaccine and antiviral strategies. Data from Mauritius will contribute to understanding of influenza viruses' ecology in the African region and globally.

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Details

Published: May 01, 2025
Vol/Issue: 19(5)
License: View

Authors

M

Magalutcheemee Ramuth

Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health & Wellness Quatre‐Bornes Plaine‐Wilhems Mauritius; Division of Medical Virology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa

J

Janaki Sonoo

Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health & Wellness Quatre‐Bornes Plaine‐Wilhems Mauritius

F

Fhooblall Mokshanand

Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health & Wellness Quatre‐Bornes Plaine‐Wilhems Mauritius

B

Belinda Herring

World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa Brazzaville Republic of the Congo

T

Tessema Sofonias

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Addis Ababa Ethiopia

J

John McCauley

Worldwide Influenza Centre The Francis Crick Institute London England

A

Ashwamed Dinasing

Ministry of Health & Wellness Port Louis Plaine‐Wilhems Mauritius

F

Florette K. Treurnicht

Division of Medical Virology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa; Department of Virology National Health Laboratory Service Parktown Johannesburg South Africa

Funding

Wellcome Trust Award: FC001030

Medical Research Council Award: FC001030

Cancer Research UK Award: FC001030

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Award: 001‐167‐8461201‐4347

Cite This Article

Magalutcheemee Ramuth, Janaki Sonoo, Fhooblall Mokshanand, et al. (2025). Molecular Evolution of Influenza A Viruses From Mauritius, 2017–2019. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 19(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/irv.70108

Molecular Evolution of Influenza A Viruses From Mauritius, 2017–2019

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