Omicron Variant Has 'Stealthy' Mutation Which Can Escape Covid Tests, Claims Report
Omicron variant of coronavirus has a "stealthy" mutation of its own, stoking fears about further spread of Covid-19
Can Covid-19 seriously just stop mutating? As if reports about the (reportedly) more transmissible Omicron variant of coronavirus weren't enough, turns out the Omicron variant comes with a stealth version which may be harder to track.
The "stealth" version of the Omicron variant cannot be differentiated from other variants using the PCR tests used to detect coronavirus.
Reuters
What is the stealth Omicron variant of Covid-19?
The stealth variant of the Omicron coronavirus iteration shares most mutations with the Omicron, but lacks a particular gene that would make it appear on the lab-based PCR tests for coronavirus.
According to The Guardian, usual tests would still show traces of Covid-19, and genomic testing would flag the cases as well. But no probable cases of the stealthy variant would show up on the tests.
In terms of genetic make-up, the stealthy Omicron variant is built differently from the standard Omicron variant - implying it may behave differently than the main variant, about which we are also just starting to learn more.
Also read: Covishield Vaccine Creator Warns Against 'More Lethal' Pandemic In Future, Beyond Omicron
PAHO/Representational Image
Owing to this, researchers are unsure about how the Omicron variant will spread and mutate in the coming weeks as alarm bells start to ring across the globe.
The first cases of Omicron variant were reported in South Africa, Australia, and Canada. But as the trajectory of all Covid variants has shown us, it may already be circulating around the globe.
As of December 7, coronavirus has infected 267+ million people. In addition, it has also killed 5.27 million people across the globe. So far, 8.28 billion vaccinations have been administered around the world.
UN News
Currently, India is observing the spread of Omicron variant. Air travel restrictions have been put in place again to avoid the catastrophic situation that unfolded in the summer of 2021 when the Delta variant ripped through India.
Also read: Omicron Variant: Three Graphs On Why It Could Be Worse Than Delta Covid Variant
What do you think - have we let our guard down too soon in terms of Covid-19 mutations? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. For more in the world of tech and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
Citation
Sample, I., & Walker, P. (2021, December 8). Scientists find ¡®stealth¡¯ version of Omicron that may be harder to track. The Guardian.
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