As microbiologist Andreas Bergthaler tweets, a new SARS-CoV-2 recombinant has appeared in Austria. An as yet undescribed recombination of BA.2 with the BA.1.1 peak was confirmed in samples. However, based on the data available to date, no significant changes in properties are to be expected in this corona variant either. Therefore, there is no epidemiological or clinical cause for concern, the expert reassured.
“Coronaviruses not only change individual genetic letters, but can also exchange larger genetic regions,” Bergthaler explains in a tweet. The condition for this is that a host is infected by two viruses at the same time and that both invade the same cell. “Both together are unlikely — but possible if infection rates are high.” SARS-CoV-2 recombinants described so far in Great Britain, France and Denmark include Delta+BA.1 (“Deltacron”, XD), BA.1 +BA.2 (XE) and also Delta+BA.2 (XF).
The Austrian recombinant would be a combination of BA.2 with an almost complete peak of BA.1.1. The two sequenced samples have identical genome. “So a possible link is obvious, but has not been confirmed epidemiologically,” says Bergthaler.
No certainty about future variants”
In view of the fall, this example shows the possible rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2. So there is no certainty about future variants, Bergthaler emphasizes. “Good preparation takes into account different possible scenarios,” says the microbiologist.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
