Qasim Ali

59846976600

Publications - 2

Emergence of Reassortant Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus lineages, Pakistan, 2023–2024

Publication Name: Infection Genetics and Evolution

Publication Date: 2026-09-01

Volume: 143

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) remains endemic in Pakistan, yet whole-genome data are limited. During 2023–2024 national surveillance, 151 suspected cases were screened by qRT-PCR; 23 were confirmed at the NIH, Islamabad. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 17 cases (15 Pakistan, 2 Afghanistan) generated high-quality genomes, with 65% classified as Asia-1 genotype, while 35% showed segment reassortment involving Asia-2-derived S and/or M segments. Reassortment involved primarily S and M segments, while L segments remained conserved. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Asia-1 sequences closely related to strains from India, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Middle East, whereas Asia-2 sequences clustered with Indian and Central Asian strains, suggesting cross-border and regional viral exchange. S-segment phylogeography indicated northern Punjab (Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chakwal, Attock) as a region potential involved in viral connectivity. Region-specific mutations (S: G185S, D186N; M: P90L, T122I, M35L, L443S, I1597V) may reflect localized viral evolution. These findings underscore ongoing viral diversification, reassortment, and regional connectivity, highlighting the need for integrated genomic surveillance to guide public health interventions.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105988

Molecular Surveillance and Genomic Characterization of Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses From a Secondary-Care Surveillance Site in Pakistan During the 2025–2026 Winter Season

Publication Name: Journal of Medical Virology

Publication Date: 2026-08-01

Volume: 98

Issue: 8

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Respiratory viral infections, particularly Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2, remain major public health concerns in endemic settings such as Pakistan, where high influenza-like illness burden and limited genomic data underscore the need for surveillance to guide vaccine strategies. This study assessed respiratory virus circulation and genetic diversity among ILI cases at a secondary-care hospital in Islamabad during the 2025–2026 winter season. Among 170 qRT-PCR-tested cases, Influenza A was detected in 24.1%, SARS-CoV-2 in 1.17%, and Influenza B was not detected. Influenza A positivity was slightly higher in females (25.0%), with highest burden in individuals aged 11–20 years. Whole-genome sequencing of 21 Influenza A(H3N2) isolates revealed co-circulation of subclade K (52.4%), J.2.2 (28.6%), and J.2 (9.5%). Phylogenetic analysis showed subclade K clustering with recent isolates from North America, Oceania, Europe, and WHO-recommended 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere H3N2 vaccine strains, whereas J.2 and J.2.2 aligned with earlier vaccine-like strains. NA analysis showed predominance of clade B.4.2.2 associated with K-lineage and relatedness to recent North American strains. Subclade K exhibited conserved HA substitutions (K2N, S144N, N158D, I160K, Q173R, T328A) and HA2 S49N with limited variation. No antiviral resistance mutations were detected. Overall, findings demonstrate predominance and genetic stability of H3N2 subclade K and support continuous genomic surveillance for vaccine strain selection and influenza preparedness.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/jmv.71075