Genome Sequencing Results Show that SARS-CoV2 is Picking Up New Mutations in Karnataka | The Weather Channel – Articles from The Weather Channel |…

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A genomic sequencing report submitted to the Karnataka government has suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is changing. Currently, the Delta and sub-lineages of Delta are spreading across Bengaluru Urban and picking up new mutations.

The report said that of these mutations, the N439 mutant has already exhibited the potential to increase the fitness of the virus.

The report cautioned: "We need to monitor any increase in the frequency of these mutations. As that might be a signal for a new variant, which may not be covered by the protection from vaccines," the report quoted in bold letters.

This report comes ahead of a similar account of results of 300 samples sent for genomic sequencing that is expected to be released soon. The results will be discussed by the Committee for COVID-19 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), which is to meet on Thursday for discussing the findings.

Strand Precision Medicine Sciences, a genomics-based research and diagnostics company mandated to conduct genomic sequencing by the Karnataka government to help detect trends in mutations, has submitted its report to the health ministry on September 1.

The report has also been sent to the Karnataka Covid Task Force, Chairman of Genomic Surveillance Committee, Karnataka; Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner and health commissioner BBMP.

Samples processed include 34 sequences from children, 28 sequences from partially and fully vaccinated individuals, and 6 from fully vaccinated individuals. The investigations were conducted on 298 complete sequences.

The outputs suggested the identification of four lineages, and all were Delta or sub-lineages of Delta. The report also said three lineages of Delta and two sub-lineages of Delta AY.4 and AY.12 were found across all groups of Bengaluru Urban.

The report also spoke about new mutations. "This sequencing showed 133 mutations in spike protein alone. Many of these are known mutations," the report said.

"We found several new mutations at low frequency (0.3%

N439K mutant found in 7 sequences, N440Y/T/F mutant in 8 sequences, L441Y/S/G/A/C/D/V found in 7 sequences, D4421/V/Y/F in 9 sequences, S443E/V/Y/W/F in 7 sequences, K444F/N/V/T/S/V mutants found in 7 sequences.

However, experts opine that genomic sequencing results are not a cause for worry as most samples are collected from persons treated at home.

Strand Precision Medicine Solutions was tasked with studying mutations through genome sequencing by the Covid Task Force in Karnataka. The sequencing indicated 30% mutation in the Delta AY.4 variant and 3% in AY.12 mutant.

Total 298 swabs were collected from COVID-19 patients in Bengaluru for genomic sequencing. It also showed that Delta and its sub-lineages AY4 & A12 were dominant across different age groups in Bengaluru.

The test also showed that the COVID-19 virus was changing and Delta's sub-lineages are spreading across Bengaluru urban areas with new mutations being reported.

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The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline and text.

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