Emerging Genomic Trends on Rabies Virus in Davao Region, Philippines, 2018–2021

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Cabin and colleagues examined the evolution and phylodynamics of RABV in the Davao Region of the Philippines using a state-of-the art high throughput sequencing approach. The authors were able to detect divergence of new variants and identify novel transmission patterns. There findings speak to the need for continued surveillance and tracking of RABV transmission remain crucial strategies for maintaining and improving virus outbreaks. The manuscript is well written and the data presented are clear, as are the general conclusions. No major concerns are noted with the methods or approaches. These findings will likely be of interest to a more narrow audience in the area of RABV surveillance, sequencing, and diversity. 

Author Response

We greatly appreciate your commitment and proficiency in conducting a comprehensive review of our work. Your perceptive and invaluable remarks have motivated us to keep doing what we are doing as researchers. Your extensive knowledge in the field holds immeasurable value, and we feel profoundly privileged to have received your valuable input.

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors present a study examining rabies evolution and phylodynamics in the Davao Region using genome sequences from Davao City and nearby provinces. They used the RABV ARTIC Protocol for Oxford Nanopore High-Throughput Sequencing making modifications to optimize workflow efficiency. The study is well designed, contains current and valuable information. The proposed methodology is correct and adequate. I believe that the information provided is of interest to scientific groups studying rabies and trying to obtain complete genomes.  I suggest that Table 3 be placed as Supplementary Materials.

Author Response

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the time and energy you dedicated to reviewing our manuscript. Your insightful observations, constructive feedback, and invaluable recommendations have greatly enhanced the excellence and comprehensiveness of our work. In response to your advice, we placed our Table 3 in the appendices (See attached file - yellow highlight). We feel truly privileged to have received your valuable input.

 

We already moved the table 3 into our appendices.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf