Covid strain subtype in 90% AMU samples
18 of 20 samples sent to CSIR lab in Delhi at VC’s initiative had subtype B. 1.617.2 of virus strain B. 1617, reveals their genome sequencing
AGRA/KANPUR : Genome sequencing of 20 samples sent from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, (CSIR-IGI) revealed presence of subtype B. 1.617.2 of the virus strain B. 1617 in 18 of them.
One sample had B.1.117 and the other one was also of B.1 lineage, said Dr Vikas Mishra, the associate professor of micro-biology department, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur.
He also said the findings had been shared on the WhatsApp group of microbiologists for reference.
This was not a new strain, he added. The samples, Dr Mishra said, were sent to CSIR-IGIB lab between April and May after some 40 people, including many professors, reportedly died of Covid.
Subtype B.1617.2 is responsible for the second wave of the pandemic in North India. Experts said three sub types of B.1.617 were present in India. The presence of B.1.617.2 was just one per cent in second half of January and it increased to 77% in April, they said. Its transmission is 15% times faster than that of the UK variant and often as it had been observed the transmission rate was 7% each day.
At the instance of the vicechancellor, AMU, prof Tariq Mansoor, Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology had sent the 20 samples, said a press statement issued by public relation office (PRO), Aligarh Muslim University.
The VC took the initiative to thoroughly investigate the Covid-19 strains prevalent in and around Aligarh Civil Lines area, including AMU and surrounding localities, to ascertain the possible factor for the high infectivity rate.
At least 16 serving professors at AMU have lost their lives due to Covid-19 so far. According to prof Haris Manzoor Khan, chairman, department of microbiology and the principal investigator, Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, AMU, among the 20 samples sent, 18 (90%) had B.1.617.2 lineage referred to as the Double Mutation Variant, first identified in Maharashtra, India on October 5, 2020.
“It is a subtype of B.1.617 variant which is the main virus circulating in the second wave of Covid-19 in UP. WHO has termed it ‘Variant of Concern (VOC)’ because of its higher transmissibility and reduced neutralization from pre-existing antibodies. B.1.617 has a higher growth rate than other circulating variants suggesting a potentially increased rate of transmission. WHO does not term it as “Indian Variant” and urges to use scientific terms,” said the press statement. B.1.617 variant, thought to be partly responsible for India’s devastating second wave, had three sub-lineages namely: B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3.
One sample had the B.1 lineage which was responsible for outbreaks in 2020 mainly in Italy that later spread to the rest of the world.
However, no new strain was detected, informed AMU officials through press statement issued.
Active campaigns have been undertaken in the university to mitigate the problem of Covid-19 infection in the form of aggressive mobilisation for vaccination; emphasis on the importance of social distancing; washing of hands or sanitizing them regularly and wearing masks.