Too early to call it a strain says scientists about new covid mutations in Maharashtra

Two variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that triggers Covid-19 have combined their genomes resulting in a heavily mutated hybrid version of the virus. The “recombination” was identified in a virus sample in California, provoking warnings that we may enter a new phase of the pandemic because it carries a mutation making it resistant to some antibodies.

Numerous cases of coronavirus mutation have been reported in Maharashtra after covid mutations. Through genome sequencing, presence of E484K in Amaravati and N440K mutation in Yavatmal was found. Doctors said it could throw light on why families are testing positive.

In this regard a senior scientist told a media channel today, iterating that they are yet to observe behaviour – including how fast or slow it infects people — and pointed out that it is “too early to call it a strain”.

Dr TP Lahane, the Director of Medical Education and Research, Maharashtra, told that it is too early to judge as more sequencing and research needs to be carried out to figure about the “infectiveness” of the mutant variety.

“Many scientists began gene sequencing for this and the results will be out in another 10 to 15 days. A detailed study has to be conducted, he added.