RNA as modulators of infection outcome

The development and accessibility of efficient and safe vaccines presents the best chance for protection from the increasingly deadly pathogens during epidemics/pandemics. In this context, genomic surveillance is fast turning into an essential necessity for effective pandemic mitigation and containment. Recent developments in genome surveillance have made it possible for us to find clinically significant mutations and classify them according to their virulence, contagiousness, and vaccine resistance. This chapter discusses how whole genome data is made available, and the various approaches and methods such as whole genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis, especially to monitor rapidly evolving RNA viral diseases. We also provide insights into how variation in RNA can modulate the infection outcomes. Genome surveillance and functional studies can empower the development of a more resilient community against future pathogens and inform on developing a more targeted public health policy by focusing on the prevention and mitigation of lethal disease outbreaks.