The emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus, known as XBB.1.16, has been attributed to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India. In this article, we will discuss the new variant and whether it is a cause for concern in India.
What is XBB.1.16 Lineage?
The XBB.1.16 lineage is a recombinant virus of the Omicron variant and has been detected in around 14 countries across the world. The earliest sequence of this lineage originated in a viral genome detected in New York. The XBB.1.16 lineage evolved from the XBB lineage and has various mutations. Initial data suggests that this variant has a superior advantage compared to other SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including the XBB.1.5 lineage.
Why is XBB.1.16 Lineage Cause for Concern in India?
In March 2023, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases in India, despite a low number of tests conducted. The total number of cases increased to 6000, and the XBB.1.16 lineage was considered to be the reason behind the spike in cases. Genomic surveillance data also reveals that XBB.1.16 accounts for more than 30% of all sequenced genomes in March 2023, and its share of infection is increasing.
Preliminary data suggests that there is no difference in clinical severity between XBB.1.16 and other Omicron variants, but there is a chance of a higher risk of reinfection with the XBB.1.16 lineage due to its fast-growing ability. Hence, it is important to monitor the spread of this XBB.1.16 lineage if COVID-19 cases continue to increase.
How does SARS-CoV-2 Evolve?
SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve after multiple waves of infection since the pandemic occurred in 2020 in India. Recombinant or chimeric genomes will evolve after recombination between genomes through the co-infection of multiple variants. While most recombinations may not result in powerful variants, it is important to monitor such variants as there is a possibility that a rare variant may create a new lineage with more functional capabilities than its parent lineages.
The PANGO network is an international consortium of researchers for naming variants of SARS-CoV-2 lineages, which has established a system for identifying and designating SARS-CoV-2 recombinants. The PANGO network has so far identified and designated around 100 recombinant lineages starting with the letter ‘X’ and followed by the letter to identify the order of detection.
Why In News
A recombinant virus of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, which has been linked to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India, and provides insights into the potential impact of this variant on public health in the country.
MCQs on Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and Recombinant Lineages
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What is XBB.1.16 lineage of the coronavirus?
A. A recombinant virus of Omicron
B. A new strain of SARS-CoV-2
C. A variant of Delta variant
D. A mutation of Alpha variant
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What is the significance of the XBB.1.16 lineage?
A. It is more severe than other variants
B. It is responsible for the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India
C. It is a recombinant of H3N2 and SARS-CoV-2
D. It is less transmissible than other variants
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What is the PANGO network?
A. A network of hospitals treating COVID-19 patients
B. A network of researchers for identifying and designating SARS-CoV-2 recombinants
C. A network of NGOs working for COVID-19 relief
D. A network of vaccine manufacturers
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