Genome Sequences of Measles Virus D4 and D8 Genotypes from India.

The genomes of 15 measles viruses isolated in 2006 to 2017 from patients <16 years of age with fever and skin rashes from four states and two union territories of India were sequenced. Study genomes were phylogenetically analyzed using 143 Indian and global genomes. The study reconfirms two lineages of D4 isolates and three lineages of D8 isolates from India.

Characterization of diversity of measles viruses in India: Genomic sequencing and comparative genomics studies.

OBJECTIVE: To map genomic diversity of Measles virus (MeV) isolates collected during 2009-2017 from ten states of India. METHODS: Genome sequencing of Indian isolates and comparative genomics with global MeV using phylogeny, population stratification and selection pressure approaches were performed. RESULTS: The first report of complete genome sequences of forty-three Indian MeV isolates belonging to genotypes D4 (eight) and D8 (thirty-five). Three Indian isolates mapped to named strains D4-Enfield, D8-Villupuram and D8-Victoria. Indian D4 isolates deviate from standard genome length due to indels in M-F intergenic region. Estimated nucleotide substitution rates of Indian MeV derived using genome and individual genes are lower than that of global isolates. Phylogeny revealed genotype-based temporal clustering, suggesting existence of two lineages of D4 and three lineages of D8 in India. Absence of spatial clustering suggests role of cross-border travel in MeV transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Evolutionary analyses suggest the need for surveillance of MeV in India, particularly in view of diversified trajectories of D4 and D8 isolates. This study contributes to global measles epidemiology and indicates no major impact on antigenicity in Indian isolates, thereby substantiating the use of current vaccines to meet measles elimination target of 2023 set by World Health Organization for South-East Asia Region.

Outbreak of mumps virus genotype G infection in tribal individuals during 2016-17 in India.

Tribal individuals presented with fever and uni- or bi-lateral parotitis in Galonda and Silli villages (Dadra and Nagar Haveli, India) between 2 October 2016 and 19 March 2017. Consequently, the magnitude and epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak were investigated. Overall, 139 cases of suspected mumps were identified in both the above villages. Most of the suspected cases were 5-15 years old, the exceptions being three adults who had no noticeable complications. Specimens were collected from 42 of the suspected cases and their close contacts (n = 39) for laboratory investigation. Mumps infection was laboratory-confirmed in 73.8% and 20.5% of the suspected cases and contacts, respectively. Mumps was confirmed in seven adults aged 17-42 years, including three suspected cases and four contacts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a complete virus genome circulating among tribal individuals. Sequencing and phylogenetic studies revealed circulation of mumps virus genotype G in these tribal villages with 99% identity to a mumps virus detected in the UK (1996) and Canada (2009). Comparison with Indian mumps viruses revealed 99% and 98% identity to previously reported isolates from Pune during 2012 and 1986, respectively. Although the outbreak was large, no major complications were reported in the tribal villages. Detection of asymptomatic mumps in numerous close contacts indicates the importance of laboratory investigations in an outbreak setting.