Complete viral RNA genome sequencing of ultra-low copy samples by sequence-independent amplification.

Nucleic Acids Res
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

RNA viruses are the causative agents for AIDS, influenza, SARS, and other serious health threats. Development of rapid and broadly applicable methods for complete viral genome sequencing is highly desirable to fully understand all aspects of these infectious agents as well as for surveillance of viral pandemic threats and emerging pathogens. However, traditional viral detection methods rely on prior sequence or antigen knowledge. In this study, we describe sequence-independent amplification for samples containing ultra-low amounts of viral RNA coupled with Illumina sequencing and de novo assembly optimized for viral genomes. With 5 million reads, we capture 96 to 100% of the viral protein coding region of HIV, respiratory syncytial and West Nile viral samples from as little as 100 copies of viral RNA. The methods presented here are scalable to large numbers of samples and capable of generating full or near full length viral genomes from clone and clinical samples with low amounts of viral RNA, without prior sequence information and in the presence of substantial host contamination.

Year of Publication
2013
Journal
Nucleic Acids Res
Volume
41
Issue
1
Pages
e13
Date Published
2013 Jan 07
ISSN
1362-4962
URL
DOI
10.1093/nar/gks794
PubMed ID
22962364
PubMed Central ID
PMC3592391
Links
Grant list
HHSN272200900006C / PHS HHS / United States
HHSN272200900018C / PHS HHS / United States
T32 AI007538 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
HHSN27220090018C / PHS HHS / United States
P01-AI074415 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States