WHO warns about Covid-19 variant spreading faster than Omicron BA.2

Early studies show that XE is 10% more contagious than BA.2.

Illustration: CID

To date, there are three well-known recombinant viruses. That is XD, XF (combination of Delta’s genome and spike variant of Omicron BA.1) or Deltacron.

The third type is XE (hybrid between two branches BA.1 and BA.2 of the Omicron variant).

The World Health Organization announced some preliminary findings about XE: “XE recombinant was first detected in the United Kingdom on January 19 and has recorded more than 600 samples”.

“Initial estimates suggest that XE has a 10% community spread advantage over BA.2. However, more evidence is needed for this finding.”

Earlier, the United Nations health agency issued a warning for the recombinant virus between Omicron and Delta.

Renowned virologist Tom Peacock explains that recombinants containing spike and structural proteins from a single virus (such as XE) have the ability to function similarly to the parent virus.

All of these recombinant viruses clearly need to be monitored closely for signs of growth, according to Mr. Peacock. Scientists should try to isolate and characterize the virus where possible.

BA.2, a strain of the Omicron variant, is currently the most dominant virus strain, accounting for 86% of all Covid-19 cases sequenced.

While XE makes up a small percentage at the moment, the high transmissibility of this variant could mean dominance in the near future.

Until scientists can detect “significant differences in transmission characteristics and severity”, the WHO notes, XE will remain classified as part of the Omicron variant.

An Yen (According to Mint)