Evolution, transmission, and clinical impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Meeting name
Sponsors
Date
Journal Title
Format
Thesis
Subject
Abstract
[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2024] Influenza and coronaviruses are leading causes of human respiratory diseases, causing substantial global impact. The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses continues to trigger waves of outbreaks worldwide. Thus, understanding the natural history of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses is crucial for effective prevention and rapid response to outbreaks. This dissertation explores the evolution, transmission, and clinical impacts of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses and revealed four major findings. 1) the contemporary influenza B viruses showed genetic adaptations to cell and egg cultures, potentially impacting vaccine strain selection and vaccine development. 2) Rural communities were an important source for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and SARS-CoV-2 transmission. 3) We developed a machine learning model to predict COVID-19 outcomes, primarily hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and long COVID. 4) Co-infections between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses were highly prevalent in Central Missouri during the 2021-2022 flu season with differing rates between Delta and Omicron variants, and a link between influenza vaccination and reduced co-infections was also identified. Overall, these findings provided deeper insights into how an influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses emerge, evolve, and spread in humans and revealed how the intricate interplay between host, virus and environmental attributes affect disease severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, these studies can enhance vaccine strain selection, refine strategies to address potential future pandemics, and advance the development of personalized medicine for seasonal outbreaks.
Table of Contents
DOI
PubMed ID
Degree
Ph. D.