Genetic Diversity and Molecular Analysis of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 in Saint Petersburg (Russia) in 2017–2023: Emergence of a New Phylogenetic Cluster

Human parainfluenza viruses 3 (hPIV3) are important pathogens, responsible for acute respiratory tract diseases, especially in young children. Information on hPIV3 circulation and their diversity pattern in Russia is limited. The aim of this study was to perform a molecular and genetic characterization of hPIV3 circulating in Saint Petersburg, Russia. From October 2017 to September 2023, 14,704 swabs were screened using real-time reverse transcription-PCR. A phylogenetic analysis of the complete hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene was performed. Out of 1334 positive hPIV cases, hPIV3 was the most common subtype. Phylogenetic analysis of the studied and previously published HN sequences revealed four distinct genetic clusters, A, B, C, and D, with Cluster D being first delineated in this study. In addition, two newly subdivided genetic lineages, C5a and C5b, were documented. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the analyzed Russian strains grouped into Cluster C and D; further subclusters C5a, C5b, C3b, C3e, and C3a. While three strains were classified within cluster D, the majority of isolates fell within subcluster C3a, followed by C5b. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the co-circulation of hPIV3 strains during the study period. This is the first study that describes the genetic and molecular aspects of hPIV3 circulating in Russia. Moreover, our results provide an up-to-date hPIV3 phylogenetic analysis.