Genetic Diversity of Mumps Virus in Russian Federation

Relevance. In the establishment of a unified epidemiological surveillance system for measles, rubella, and mumps, virological monitoring of the circulation of these pathogens is essential. While standardized methods for monitoring the circulation of measles and rubella viruses and interpreting the obtained data are recommended by the WHO and applied globally, no such practice exists for the mumps virus. This study focuses on examining the genetic diversity of the mumps virus in Russia using molecular epidemiological methods previously validated by the authors.
Aim. To investigate the genetic diversity of the mumps virus in Russia in 2022–2023.
Materials and methods. Biological material samples from 25 patients diagnosed with "Mumps" were obtained from regions with high and low mumps incidence in 2022–2023. Viral RNA extraction, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and bioinformatic data analysis were conducted. The identified nucleotide sequences were deposited in the GenBank database.
Results. The study found that mumps viruses of genotype G circulated in Russia in 2022–2023. Transmission of two genetic groups, G1 and G2, was identified. Genogroup G1 belongs to the genetic lineage MuVi/Sheffield.GBR/1.05, and genogroup G2 to MuVi/Gloucester.GBR/32.96. The circulation area for each genetic group was determined.
Conclusions. Despite both genogroups being predominantly represented by viruses isolated in Russia, the lack of significant correlation between distance matrices does not allow for a conclusion about the endemic transmission of genogroups G1 and G2 in the country based on the available molecular data. Within the framework of the National Program "Elimination of Measles and Rubella, Achieving Sustainable Sporadic Incidence of Mumps," the study of circulating mumps virus genotypes is relevant and will be continued.

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