90-Second Read: New Hantavirus sequencing tool maps whole genomes from hard-to-test samples

Whole genome sequencing is an integral part of this work, though the genomes of these viruses are difficult to sequence using existing approaches. A new method for whole-genome sequencing of Hantaviruses improves on today's strategies for identifying outbreaks. Whole genome sequencing can help microbiologists and epidemiologists better understand the complexities of Hantaviruses. Infections by Hantaviruses are rare but dangerous, killing 30, 40% of infected people.

Sequencing these Hantaviruses can be difficult, however, because of their complex genome structure, high genetic diversity and the often low viral concentrations found in human specimens. In lab tests, their sequencing approach generated whole genome sequencing data from 35 rodent samples that had already tested positive for the Sin Nombre virus. This type of information helps scientists confirm where people are exposed to Hantaviruses and is used to help better target public health interventions and education to the places that need it the most. Then, they developed a method for sequencing each genome segment in 1 long piece.

As a result of this challenge, few whole genome sequences are publicly available. While other states have higher incidence rates of human infection, many lack the resources to bring on and maintain whole genome sequencing for rarer viruses. The researchers are now expanding the method to apply it to Hantaviruses beyond Sin Nombre. We really want to better understand the diversity of Hantaviruses across the U.S., and we want to be able to look at markers of viral evolution, just to understand what's happening.

This approach makes it possible to successfully sequence samples that would otherwise have too little viral material to analyze. The sequencing device, which can be plugged into a laptop, only costs about $3,000. When there's an outbreak or even a case, we need to know where that person was exposed so we can stop other people from being exposed.