New double mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2, several "variants of concern" found in India: Government

A new double mutant variant of SARSCoV2 has been detected in India in addition to the several variants of concern that have already been found in at least 18 states the Union Health Ministry said on WednesdaySome of these variants of concern had earlier been detected abroadThe ministry however said it could not be sufficiently established yet if these variants were behind the recent spike in COVID19 cases in some statesIt said genome sequencing by Indian SARSCoV2 Consortium on Genomics INSACOG has identified variants of concerns VOCs in several states and a new double mutant variantGenomic sequencing and epidemiological studies are continuing to further analyse the situationThe Ministry of Health had established on December 25 INSACOG which is a grouping of 10 national laboratories for carrying out genomic sequencing and analysis of circulating COVID19 viruses and correlating epidemiological trends with genomic variantsGenomic variants of various viruses are a natural phenomenon and are found in almost all countries the ministry highlightedSince INSACOG initiated its work 771 variants of concerns VOCs have been detected in a total of 10787 positive samples shared by states and UTs union territoriesThese include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK B117 lineage Also 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African B1351 lineage One sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian P1 lineage The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 states of the country the ministry saidGenome sequencing and analysis have been carried out on samples from arriving international travellers contacts of those positive for VOC and community samples from most of the states at INSACOG partner laboratories it statedThe analysis of samples from Maharashtra has revealed that compared to December 2020 there has been an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations the ministry saidSuch mutations confer immune escape and increased infectivity These mutations have been found in about 1520 per cent of samples and do not match any previously catalogued VOCs the ministry saidThese 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 statedFrom Kerala 2032 samples from all 14 districts have been sequenced The N440K variant that is associated with immune escape has been found in 123 samples from 11 districtsThis variant was earlier found in 33 per cent of samples from Andhra Pradesh and in 53 of 104 samples from Telangana This variant has also been reported from 16 other countries including the UK Denmark Singapore Japan and AustraliaAs of now these can be at best said to be variant under investigation the ministry saidThough 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 saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever