New hybrid Covid strain Deltacron uncovered

Just when the Omicron variant-driven Covid third wave is fading away, researchers at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have said they are officially monitoring a new Covid variant Deltacron, a hybrid of the Delta and Omicron variant.

In fact, the UKHSA said they have detected the new variant in a patient who was infected by Omicron and Delta variants, and they have included the Deltacron in the ‘currently under monitoring and investigation’ category in their official website.

According to reports, it is not yet clear how infectious or severe the Deltacron variant is or what could be its potential impact, even as investigation and research is under way on the reported new hybrid or super variant.

The new variant is believed to have evolved in a patient who caught both the Omicron and Delta variants at the same time. It is believed that the number of Deltacron cases in UK is low and in the coming few days, more information is expected to come out on Deltacron.

Earlier in January, a virologist from Cyprus Leondios Kostrikis had announced that his research group at the University of Cyprus had identified several SARS-CoV-2 genomes that featured elements of both Delta and



Omicron variants.

Following the reporting by the virologist, researchers from many countries responded swiftly by declaring that there was no hybrid or a super-variant. They pointed out that the new variant was not because of recombination or genetic sharing of information between Delta and Omicron variants, but it was perhaps due to laboratory contamination.

Authorities from United Kingdom, however, on Saturday, said that they are officially investigating a new variant, which is a hybrid of Delta and Omicron.

Given the recently acquired immunity from Omicron variant among a large section of the population, senior public health officials in Hyderabad point out that chances of new variants of concern triggering a full-blown surge appear remote.

However, at the same time, they also pointed out that the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its many variants are mutating at a very accelerated pace. “In the coming months, there could be a point where at least one new variant starts getting a foothold among the community due to its unique mutations. There is a definite need to be vigilant and focus on genome sequencing,” health officials here said.