Coronavirus Variants “Of Concern”, A Novel COVID Variant Found in 18 States of India: Centre
Mumbai: The central government on Wednesday revealed that genome sequencing by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) indicates ‘concern’ and a ‘novel version’ in India.
In a press release, the government revealed information about the presence of ‘variants of concern’ from the UK, South Africa and Brazil in 18 states.
Since INSACOG began its work, 771 variants (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10787 positive samples shared by states / UTs. These include 736 samples positive for the virus of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. 1 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.
Genome sequencing and analysis have been performed on samples from arriving international travellers, with VOCs from most states in INSACOG partner laboratories and positive exposure to community samples that are 10 in number.
Analysis of samples from Maharashtra showed that the fraction of samples with E484Q and L452R mutations increased compared to December 2020. Such mutations increase immunity and increase infectivity. These mutations have been found in about 15–20% of samples and do not match the previously listed VOCs.
These are classified as VOCs but have epidemiology similar to “enhanced testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases & contacts as well as treatment as per National Treatment Protocol” by the States/UTs.
2032 samples from Kerala (from all 14 districts) have been sequenced. The N440K variant associated with immune migration has been found in 123 samples from 11 districts. This variant was previously found in 33% of samples from Andhra Pradesh, and in 53 of 104 samples from Telangana. This edition has also been reported from 16 other countries including the UK, Denmark, Singapore, Japan and Australia. So far it can be said to be the best under investigation.
Although VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, they have not been found in sufficient numbers to rapidly increase or establish relationships or directly explain cases in some states. Genomic sequencing and epidemiological studies are underway to further analyze the situation.
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) is a group of 10 national laboratories established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on 25/12/2020.
INSACOG has since been performing genome sequencing and analyzing circulating COVID-19 viruses, and correlating epidemiological trends with genomic variants. Genomic variants of various viruses are a natural occurrence and are found in almost all countries.
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