Clinical and biological insights from viral genome sequencing

Nat Rev Microbiol. 2017 Mar;15(3):183-192. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.182. Epub 2017 Jan 16.

Abstract

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogens is becoming increasingly important not only for basic research but also for clinical science and practice. In virology, WGS is important for the development of novel treatments and vaccines, and for increasing the power of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genomics. In this Opinion article, we suggest that WGS of viruses in a clinical setting will become increasingly important for patient care. We give an overview of different WGS methods that are used in virology and summarize their advantages and disadvantages. Although there are only partially addressed technical, financial and ethical issues in regard to the clinical application of viral WGS, this technique provides important insights into virus transmission, evolution and pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • RNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Virus Diseases / therapy
  • Virus Diseases / transmission

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • RNA, Viral