Study by CCMB and BHU found that the B.1.617.2 variant was found among 36% of the overall samples; the B.1.351, detected in South Africa for the primary time, was additionally found in this space
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi have collaboratively sequenced genomes of coronavirus variants in Varanasi and adjoining areas and have come throughout at the least seven main strains of coronavirus circulating in these areas, together with B.1.617 and B.1.617.2 or the ‘Delta variant’.
The multidisciplinary analysis unit headed at BHU collected samples from Varanasi and areas across the metropolis, principally in April earlier this yr and the CCMB crew had sequenced 130 samples.
“The most predominant variant we found in our study was B.1.617 among the Variants of Concern (VoC). This variant was also reported to be one of the major drivers of the second COVID-19 wave in India”, stated Prof Singh, who heads BHU analysis unit on Friday.
“Just as in most of India, the B.1.617.2 variant (aka Delta variant) was the most common one in the samples we studied. They were found among 36% of the total samples. Other VoCs such as the B.1.351, detected in South Africa for the first time, was also found in this area”, stated Dr Rakesh Mishra, Advisor, CCMB.
“This study confirms yet again that the Delta variant is the most widespread coronavirus variant in the country right now. But at the same time, it is imperative for us to keep an eye on the other emerging variants in the country to prevent another unprecedented surge of cases,” he added, in a press launch.
