CDC Division of Viral Diseases-vaccine Preventable Disease Agents Sequencing Project: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Rotavirus and Varicella

Currently there are major gaps in knowledge concerning the genetic characteristics of viral agents that are controlled by vaccination. In many cases, only partial genomic sequences are available and these are from well characterized laboratory strains. In addition, there is little information available about the genetic properties of currently circulating strains. The genomes of selected Vaccine Preventable Disease agents including measles and mumps, rotaviruses, rubella, and varicella-zoster viruses will be sequenced to enhance studies of disease transmission, evolution, pathogenesis, and vaccine development. Complete sequences for these organisms will help inform the development of improved or new diagnostic assays to diagnose disease in vaccinated individuals and to differentiate between vaccine-associated disease and natural infection. These sequences will also be useful in studies of virus nomenclature and tracking the origin of viruses.

The initial white paper submitted can be downloaded here. Since white papers are not always approved exactly as submitted, this document may not exactly describe the final form of the project. Please contact gsc@jcvi.org if you have any questions.

Funding