Genomic and Molecular Diversity of Influenza Viruses Circulating in Abuja, Nigeria: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Molecular characterization of influenza viruses is critical for understanding viral evolution, informing vaccine strain selection, and strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness). In Nigeria, influenza surveillance is conducted through national and global networks; however, molecular data specific to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, remain fragmented and under-synthesized. This scoping review aimed to map and summarize available evidence on the molecular characteristics of influenza viruses circulating in Abuja, Nigeria. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles, national surveillance reports, and genomic databases published between January 2009 and January 2025 were searched across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, World Health Organization repositories, and the GISAID EpiFlu™ database. Studies reporting molecular or genetic analyses of influenza viruses from Abuja or national datasets that included Abuja were eligible for inclusion. Available evidence indicates the co-circulation of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B viruses in Abuja Molecular analyses demonstrate ongoing genetic drift in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes, with Abuja-derived viruses clustering phylogenetically with contemporaneous global strains, suggesting repeated viral introductions rather than sustained local evolution. Although current data indicate continued susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors, routine antiviral resistance monitoring and whole-genome sequencing specific to Abuja remain limited. In conclusion, influenza viruses circulating in Abuja exhibit genetic diversity consistent with global transmission dynamics. However, Abuja-specific molecular data are sparse, underscoring the need for expanded genomic surveillance and localized reporting to support evidence-based public health decision-making, vaccine policy, and pandemic preparedness in Nigeria.