Genomic surveillance of 61,297 enterovirus-positive specimens across Europe identified 3,541 (6%) EV-D68 cases, revealing a disrupted biennial pattern and resurgence to 20.6% detection in 2024.
Observational (n=61,297)
Yes
EV-D68 shows persistent adaptation and resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for continued genomic surveillance.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) represents a continuing public health concern, given its association with severe respiratory illness and neurologic complications. In this study, we analyzed EV-D68 circulation and genetic evolution during 2014-2024 using data from 18 countries in Europe. Of 61,297 enterovirus-positive specimens, molecular detection and viral protein 1 sequencing identified 3,541 (6%) EV-D68 cases. A biennial circulation pattern was observed; detection rates ranged from 9% in 2014 to 0.9% in 2019. The pattern was disrupted in 2020 because of measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but then notable increases occurred in 2021 (14%), 2022 (10.7%), and 2024 (20.6%). Subgenogroups B3 (59.8%) and A2/D (28.0%) were predominant; A2/D reemerged as dominant in 2024. Mutation analyses revealed changes in antigenic regions. Our findings underscore the persistent adaptation and resurgence of EV-D68 after COVID-19. Continued genomic surveillance is essential to monitor transmission patterns caused by antigenic changes.
Andrés et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) (n=61,297). Genomic surveillance of 61,297 enterovirus-positive specimens across Europe identified 3,541 (6%) EV-D68 cases, revealing a disrupted biennial pattern and resurgence to 20.6% detection in 2024.