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Abstract
The increasing availability of complete genome sequences of RNA viruses has the potential to shed new light on fundamental aspects of their biology. Here, I use case studies of 3 RNA viruses to explore the impact of genomic sequence data, with particular emphasis on influenza A virus. Notably, the studies of RNA virus genomics undertaken to date largely focused on issues of evolution and epidemiology, and they have given these disciplines new impetus. However, genomic data have so far made fewer inroads into areas of more direct importance for disease, prevention, and control; thus, harnessing their full potential remains an important goal.
Authors
Edward C. Holmes
Figure 3
Global migration of influenza A virus.
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Seasonal epidemics of human influenza A/H3N2 virus are thought to begin in a circulation network located in East and Southeast Asia before being exported to other geographical localities (arrows denote direction of migration). The virus is thought to be exported directly from the circulation network in East and Southeast Asia to Australia, Europe, and North America. It is then exported to South America from both Europe and North America. Figure adapted with permission from Science (20 ).
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