New Delhi: Union Health Ministry on Wednesday knowledgeable {that a} new “double mutant variant” of SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in India apart from a number of “variants of concern” which have already unfold in at the least 18 states.
Genome sequencing by Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) has noticed variants of issues (VOCs) in varied states and a brand new double mutant variant has additionally been recognized.
Meanwhile, whether or not these variants had been behind the latest spike in Covid-19 circumstances in some states is but to be sufficiently established.
The scenario is being repeatedly analysed via Genomic sequencing and epidemiological research.
INSACOG was established on December 25 whereby 10 nationwide laboratories had been grouped for finishing up genomic sequencing and evaluation of circulating Covid-19 viruses, and correlating epidemiological developments with genomic variants.
“Since INSACOG initiated its work, 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10,787 positive samples shared by states and UTs (union territories),” the ministry stated.
“These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. Also, 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. One sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 states of the country,” it added.
As knowledgeable by the Health Ministry, the evaluation of samples from Maharashtra has revealed that there was a rise within the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations as in comparison with December 2020.
Such mutations could cause immune escape and elevated infectivity. These mutations have been present in about 15-20 p.c of samples and don’t match any beforehand cataloged VOCs, the ministry reported.
“These have been categorized as VOCs but require the same epidemiological and public health response of increased testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases and contacts as well as treatment as per National Treatment Protocol by the states and UTs,” the ministry acknowledged.
2032 samples have been sequenced from Kerala (from all 14 districts). The N440K variant which has been related with immune escape was detected in 123 samples from 11 districts.
The variant was beforehand noticed in 33 p.c of samples from Andhra Pradesh, and in 53 of 104 samples from Telangana. It has additionally been reported from 16 different nations, together with the UK, Denmark, Singapore, Japan and Australia.
“Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states,” the ministry acknowledged.
