Genomic, antigenic and transmission dynamics of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K in Canada, early 2025/26 season

medRxiv 2026 Preprint Open access

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Authors: George S. Long, Thomas Braukmann, Nicholas Waglechner, Patryk Aftanas, Alex Marchand‐Austin, Julianne V. Kus, Shawn T. Clark, Kevin Katz, Maan Hasso, Finlay Maguire, Samir N Patel, Samira Mubareka
+1 more Venkata R Duvvuri
DOI: 10.64898/2026.02.10.26345998
Cited by: 1
References: 11

Abstract

Abstract Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus was detected in Canada early in the 2025/26 influenza season, bearing an antigenic transition in the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. Analysis of 396 HA sequences from Canada showed antigenic divergence from 2025/26 influenza vaccine strains, consistent with partial mismatch. Phylodynamic analysis revealed sustained pre-vaccine transmission without clear post-vaccine expansion. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses indicated interprovincial mixing within a highly connected metapopulation, highlighting the value of genomic surveillance for real-time epidemiologic inference and public health decision-making.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Influenza Virus Research Studies Respiratory viral infections research Poxvirus research and outbreaks

Publication details

Journal / source
medRxiv
Publisher
openRxiv
Publication date
12 February 2026
Document type
Preprint