Over 31,124 VoC's of Covid variants found in India

INSACOG statistics available in possession of ETV Bharat said that 4,227 Alpha variant (travellers-community samples), 219 Beta variant, 2 Gamma variant, 21,192 Delta variant and 5417 B.1.1617.1 and B.1.617.3 have been detected from the genomic sequencing done across India.

New Delhi: Amid a nationwide effort against a possible third wave of Covid19 pandemic, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) has detected as many as 31,124 variants of concern (VOC) of different variants of the virus.

INSACOG statistics available in possession of ETV Bharat said that 4,227 Alpha variant (travellers-community samples), 219 Beta variant, 2 Gamma variant, 21,192 Delta variant and 5,417 B.1.1617.1 and B.1.617.3 have been detected from the genomic sequencing done across India.

"Delta variant is the major VOC in India at this time. AY.12, a reassigned sub-lineage of Delta is being seen in many States, but the numbers need closer examination. The functional impact of the changes between Delta and AY.12 is not known but the two appear to be very similar at a molecular level," a senior official from INSACOG said.

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However, Delta continues to expand around the world with Israel seeing new cases rising to near previous highs despite about 60 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated. Countries like China and Korea are also witnessing the same highs.

"AY.12 is the dominant lineage in Israel and is one of the reclassified Delta sub-lineages," the official said.

It may be mentioned here that INSACOG reports genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 across the country through sequencing of samples from Sentinel sites and also detailed state-wise district analysis for some states under State MoUs.

An MoU is active with Maharashtra and Kerala for State wise district analysis of genomic sequencing.

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In India new cases of AY.1, AY.2, AY.3 are being seen in July samples from Maharashtra at a frequency of about 1 per cent.

Delta variant is the major VOC in India at present. Continuing outbreaks across the country are attributable to Delta with a susceptible population and reduced vaccine effectiveness in blocking transmission.