Over 70 variants of COVID-19 virus found in Odisha

Researchers studying the COVID-19 pandemic have found over 70 variants of the coronavirus that causes the disease in Odisha.

The study, done by a team from CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, and the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, found 73 different variants of the COVID-19 strain.

The researchers found two new lineages in India for the first time, suggesting mutation of the virus, although that can be confirmed only with more studies. The lineages are B.1.112 and B.1.99

“The research team, which carried out sequencing of 1,536 samples, including 752 clinical samples, reported two lineages — B.1.112 and B.1.99 — for the first time in India,” Dr Jayashankar Das, lead investigator and director (research) of the IMS and SUM Hospital, said, reported PTI.

Sequencing helps researchers understand the nature of the virus, that would help in coming up with the most effective treatment protocol.

India has thus become the first country to release the data after validating it in the field, Das said.

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The researchers are now trying to find the variations that cause mild and critical cases of COVID-19.

The number of COVID-19 cases in India has crossed 25 lakh, with 65,002 new cases reported on Saturday. The infection has killed about 50,000 people so far, according to figures released by the Union Health Ministry.

In his Independence Day address on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said three possible vaccines for COVID-19 are currently under various stages of trials in India.