Three sub-lineages of the Delta-plus variant of the coronavirus are circulating in Maharashtra. Experts suggest that this necessitates further epidemiological analysis in order to understand their impact on viral transmission.

The genome sequencing analyses have confirmed 66 cases of Delta-plus variant in the state, which include the following three sub-lineages - Ay.1, Ay.2 and Ay.3.

Overall, 13 more sub-lineages of the Delta-plus stain have been identified, right from Ay.1, Ay.2, Ay.3 to 13. In Maharashtra, the first three sub-lineages have been identified thus far. Early data had shown that Delta-plus variant was resistant to monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatment. There is not enough data to suggest that it is as transmissible as Delta variant.

The Ay.1 cases have been found in samples since April, Ay.2 has been detected since the month of March and Ay.3 since June. Researchers have stated that Ay.3 was fast spreading in some US states. AY.3 has a non-spike protein mutation and there is not enough information about it. 

Mumbai has reported 11 cases, including the death of a 63-year-old patient. Suresh Kakani, Addl Municipal Commissioner, stated that only one cluster-like spread was identified from the cases of Delta-plus variant.

INSACOG, a consortium of labs conducting genome sequencing, had mentioned in the month of July that Ay.1 and Ay.2 didn’t show signs of gaining against Delta. Ay.3 was not mentioned then. It had stated that Delta variant was still the most dominant strain. Among 12,000 samples sequenced from Maharashtra, 8,089 have been found to be positive for Delta. Overall, Delta variant has been identified in 68% of samples sequenced from the state. State surveillance officer, Dr Pradeep Awate, said that Delta-plus variant did not seem to have led to severe disease in patients. He added that Delta is still the main concern and that Delta-plus accounts for less than 1% of sequenced samples.

Source: ET Healthworld