WHO warns of Omicron+Delta recombinant virus as study finds 1st solid evidence; explains severity, transmissibility

KEY STORY

• As a recent study revealed that the first solid evidence for a Delta and Omicron recombinant virus has been found, the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that this was expected with both Omicron and Delta variants of COVID circulating widely. WHO also assured that several studies are underway to understand its severity and transmissibility.

  What is Delta+Omicron recombinant virus?

• A recent study by the French institution Pasteur Institute found solid evidence for a Delta and Omicron recombinant virus. These data and analysis provide definitive confirmation of an authentic recombinant virus derived from the GK/AY.4 (Delta) + GRA/BA.1 (Omicron) lineages.

• The recombinant virus was identified in several regions of France and has been circulating since early January 2022. Notably, viral genomes with a similar profile also have been identified in Denmark and The Netherlands.

• Additional investigation and analyses are needed to determine if these recombinants derive from a single common ancestor, or from multiple similar recombination events.

What WHO said about its severity and transmissibility?

Providing an update on the same, WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove said on Twitter, This is to be expected, especially with the intense circulation of omicron and delta. She further notified that WHO is tracking and discussing.

Pls also see here where we talk about the possibility of recombinants of #SARSCoV2. This is to be expected, especially w intense circulation of #omicron & delta. @WHO TagVE is tracking & discussing.

🙏@GISAID, 🌍🌎🌏 collaborations & science

ICYMI: https://t.co/jqduC6s3p5 https://t.co/oQ6AAGjegy

— Maria Van Kerkhove (@mvankerkhove) March 8, 2022

The WHO official, during a press conference, also asserted, currently, no changes are being observed in its severity and transmissibility, but several studies are underway on the topic. At this stage, testing remains critical.

Watch video here:

LIVE: Media briefing on #COVID19 and other emergencies with @DrTedros https://t.co/uyQIz3dhpL

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 9, 2022

Previously, when people started the recombination virus as deltacron, the WHO official had said that the phrase, “Deltacron”, which suggests that Delta and Omicron have combined, is not really a thing.

“In fact, what we think that it’s a result of contamination that has happened during the sequencing process,” she also said.

She, however, clarified saying that it’s possible for an individual to be infected with different variants of SARS-CoV-2. The WHO technical lead also stated that there have been examples of coinfection, in which people were infected with both influenza and Covid-19 “throughout this pandemic.”

Deltacron, a lab error?

Earlier this year, experts have said that an alleged hybrid Covid-19 mutation dubbed “Deltacron” reportedly discovered in a Cyprus lab is most likely the result of a lab contamination, and not a new worrying variant.

Cypriot media reported it describing it as having “the genetic background of the Delta variant along with some of the mutations of Omicron”.

While it is possible for coronaviruses to genetically combine, it is rare, and scientists analysing the discovery of so-called “Deltacron” say it is unlikely.