Identification of viral populations and genome stability of current Brazilian yellow fever vaccine strains using whole genome data

Abstract

Introduction: Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the mosquito-borne yellow fever flavivirus (YFV). There are currently two YFV attenuated vaccine strains that are used worldwide to prevent yellow fever, which were independently derived, 17DD (Bio-Manguinhos/ Fiocruz) and 17D-204 (World Health Organization). Sequencing and assembling the virus genomes of vaccine stocks can provide invaluable insights into viability and stability of vaccine strains, as maintaining stable vaccine strains is essential for vaccine mass production.