Anna Ivanova, Andrey Komissarov, Nikita Yolshin*, Irina Amosova and Alexander Perederiy
Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza
nikita.yolshin [at] gmail.com
Abstract
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) exhibit high genetic variability. However, genomic data, including from Russia, remain limited, which limits the ability to assess circulating subtypes and to track viral evolution.
To characterize the genomic diversity of HAdVs in Russia with a focus on recombination events and to apply bioinformatic approaches for phylogenetic and genome structure analysis.
Respiratory samples (n > 1200) were screened, and 128 complete genomes were obtained via next-generation sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis included genome assembly, maximum-likelihood phylogenetics, and recombination detection using tools such as MAFFT, RAxML-NG, IDPlot and SimPlot.
Virus isolation followed by next-generation sequencing yielded 128 complete HAdV genomes representing species B, C, and D. The dataset included 27 B3, 9 B7, 44 B55, 12 C1, 16 C2, 4 C5, 7 C89, 5 C108, and one D109 genome. Extensive recombination was identified, particularly within capsid genes (penton, hexon, fiber). Several unassigned recombinant genomes (e.g., p89h5f5, p5h6f6, p5h57f6) were detected, demonstrating novel genomic combinations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed genotype-specific clustering and mosaic genome structures, confirming recombination as a major driver of HAdV evolution.
Bioinformatic analysis revealed widespread recombination shaping adenovirus diversity and provided new data on circulating adenovirus types. The findings highlight limitations of current classification systems and underscore the importance of whole-genome sequencing for accurate surveillance and evolutionary studies.
Keywords: human adenoviruses, recombinant adenoviruses