Reconstruction of molecular evolution of human influenza A H1N1/2009
virus in Iran and neighboring countries
Abstract
Background In this study, the time and path of transmission of H1N1
serotype influenza A viruses in Iran and neighboring countries have been
investigated by using Bayesian phylogeography analysis on the sequences
extracted from the gene bank. Methods We obtained all hemagglutinin (HA)
and neuraminidase (NA) nucleotide sequences of influenza H1N1 available
up to December 25, 2020, from Iran and its neighboring countries (i.e.,
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and
Iraq). We also performed a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method to
infer the evolutionary dynamic and the most recent common ancestor for
the HA and NA sequences. Results Based on the extracted sequences, the
age of emergence of H1N1 influenza virus serotype was older in Iran
compared to neighboring countries, and Tehran had a key role and
epicenter of transmission to other cities within Iran. The mean time of
the most recent common ancestor of H1N1 viruses was 1989 (95% HPD:
1980-1994) for HA and NA as well. Conclusions Along with ordinary
measures like resource management, diagnostic approaches, and
preparedness to fight against viruses that were in place, continuous
monitoring, and screening of H1N1 serotype influenza virus in the
country, especially by implementation of feasible, effective, and
innovative measures at border line should be initiated and identified
gaps and shortage that should be a priority for virus control. It is
also important for countries to have a regional monitoring program in
addition to internal monitoring programs, as well as to start a virus
molecular care program.