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
Authors - 12
Y. Waheed
35303643700
Massab Umair
57188672252
Mir Muhammad Hassan Bullo
57205240313
Aamir Javed
57207926857
Syed Adnan Haider
57226765769
Rabia Hakim
57459383400
Zunera Jamal
57462217500
Muhammad Tahir
58710245000
Muhammad Salman
59368750700
Qasim Ali
59846976600
Yusra Javed
60066067500
Jamal Hayat
60755598300