Patrones de dispersión global de la influenza A/H5N1: Análisis filogenético y temporal de aislamientos genómicos del virus

Abstract

Last years, the highly pathogenic virus influenza A, particularly clade 2.3.4.4b, has spread globally, infecting wild birds, poultry, domestic animals, livestock, and wild animals, as well as humans, raising concerns about its zoonotic potential. Therefore, understanding its evolutionary dynamics and intercontinental dispersal patterns is essential for strengthening genomic surveillance. To this end, the present study analyzed 898 sequences available on GISAID, using temporal analysis and common ancestor evaluation to identify the predominant lineage associated with East Asia, revealing multiple independent events of introduction into Europe and the Americas. The results also demonstrate disparities in the number of isolated sequences according to their lineage and geographic origin, indicating complex population dynamics characterized by polyclonal expansion, recurrent geographic introductions, and evolutionary heterogeneity, highlighting the need for enhanced genomic surveillance to enable ongoing phylodynamic analyses that allow for a more precise understanding of the virus’s evolutionary history and adaptive potential.