The highly contagious Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is reported to have mutated further to form the Delta plus or AY.1 variant; however, there is no cause for concern for now in India as its incidence is still low, suggest scientists.

The new variant has been formed because of a mutation in the Delta variant or the B.1.617.2 variant, first found in India. The variant appears to be resistant to the monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19, which was recently authorized in the country.

The AY.1 variant is characterized by the acquisition of K417N mutation, mentioned Vinod Scaria, clinician and scientist at Delhis CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), in his tweet. He added that the mutation is in the spike protein of the virus… (The New Indian Express – PTI, June 15, 2021)