Hyderabad: A solitary case of the BA.2.12.1 variant with L452Q mutation, the new sub-lineage of Omicron variant which is being linked to the surge of Covid infections in New Delhi and New York, was reported in Telangana by the geneticists from Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).
Samples from Covid positive individuals in Hyderabad were collected for genomic sequencing on April 4 and the results were made available to GSAID, the global initiative to document genomic data of coronavirus, a few days ago by INSACOG.
Out of the many Omicron variants that are circulating in Telangana and the other Indian States, the BA.2.12.1 has the potential to trigger a surge in Covid infections, an important reason for people to take precautions, senior public health officials here said.
The BA2.12.1 is a sub-lineage of Omicron and spreading quickly in the US, it is expected to become a dominant variant in the coming weeks. However, based on reports and observations, the BA2.12.1 has so far not indicated more severity than other Omicron variants.
Commenting on BA2.12.1 and L452Q mutation, Dr Anurag Agrawal, former Director, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi on social media platform Twitter, advised, “For the time being, I don’t see any reason to panic. With a very small truly vulnerable group (India), there should not be a big wave that stresses healthcare. Go on with life but do get your booster and do use the mask responsibly for yourself and others.”
Apart from being more infectious than the BA2 Omicron variant, the BA2.12.1 has the L452Q mutation that was seen in the Delta variant of the coronavirus, which appears to help increase the ability of the virus to infect human cells. As a result of L452Q mutation, geneticists believe that BA2.12.1 has the ability to escape vaccine-induced immunity and cause reinfections and breakthrough cases. However, vaccines are expected to provide protection from the severity of the BA2.12.1, experts added.
Next Story :
Indo-US Trade Deal May Hurt Small Businesses: Hyderabad DCC Chief
Hyderabad, April 18: The Indo US trade deal may hurt small businesses and industries, Hyderabad District Congress Committee president Syed Khalid Saifullah said on Saturday. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp He criticised the agreement while addressing a Maha Dharna organised by the Indian Youth Congress at Indira Park. He warned that rising imports from the…
Rahul Gandhi Questions New Women Reservation Bill Move
Hyderabad, April 18: Rahul Gandhi questioned the Centre over introducing a new Women Reservation Bill despite the earlier law passed in 2023. He made the remarks while addressing a public rally in Tamil Nadu. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp He alleged that the new proposal included delimitation provisions within the bill. According to him,…
Ramchander Rao Under House Arrest Before Protest
Ramchander Rao under house arrest before protest over Women Reservation Bill in Hyderabad. BJP plans nationwide protests against opposition.
Telangana Heatwave: Hyderabad Temperature Nears 45C
Telangana heatwave Hyderabad temperature nears 45C as IMD warns of further rise. Several districts record above 44C amid extreme summer.
US Allows Russia Oil Purchases Relief For India
US allows Russia oil purchases relief for India as sanctions ease for oil in transit. Decision valid till May 16 amid global supply concerns.
Now you can get latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday Facebook page and Twitter and on Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
