Efficient whole-genome sequencing of Monkeypox virus using a novel nuclease-multiple displacement amplification enrichment method

TL;DR

A new sequencing method efficiently captures the full genome of Monkeypox virus, even from low-quality samples, and works for related viruses.

Contribution

A novel nuclease-MDA enrichment method is introduced for efficient and robust Monkeypox virus genome sequencing.

Findings

The method produced over 96% MPXV-specific reads and enabled complete genome assembly.

It successfully sequenced low-titer samples with a Ct value up to 33.5.

The approach is applicable to other Orthopoxviruses like Cowpox and Ectromelia viruses.

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has a large double-stranded DNA genome (~200 kb), which presents challenges for whole-genome sequencing. Conventional enrichment methods have specific limitations. To address them, we developed a novel enrichment strategy combining nuclease treatment and multiple displacement amplification (MDA), along with terminal PCR to compensate for the reduced read depth at the genome termini. When applied to 18 historical isolates, this method yielded more than 96% MPXV-specific reads, enabled complete genome assembly, and demonstrated reproducibility and robustness in the phylogenetic analysis. It successfully sequenced low-titer samples (up to a Ct value of 33.5), suggesting a potential performance comparable to PCR-based methods, and demonstrated broad applicability to other Orthopoxviruses, such as Cowpox and Ectromelia viruses. The nuclease–MDA method is cost-effective, avoids the issue of primer/probe mismatches, and is applicable to low-titer samples. This strategy offers a competitive and alternative for MPXV and related Orthopoxviruses genomic surveillance and fundamental research.

Figures