The World Health Organization (WHO) has begun close observation on a novel recombinant virus deriving from the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. This development comes amidst ongoing global efforts to manage COVID-19 and its variants effectively.
In a recent study published by a French research team, solid evidence has emerged indicating the existence of a recombinant virus composed of genetic material from both the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants. This combination, termed ‘Deltamicron,’ consists of the backbone of the Delta variant with the spike protein of Omicron. The finding highlights the complex nature of coronavirus mutations and the virus’s potential to adapt and evolve.
The Delta-Omicron recombinant has been detected in three individuals in France, with suggestions that it has been circulating since early January 2022. The WHO aims to monitor this recombinant virus closely to analyze its transmissibility and possible impact on COVID-19 severity.
Philippe Colson, the lead author from the IHU Mediterranee Infection in Marseille, France, expressed caution regarding the new variant’s potential impact. ‘It is too soon to know whether these “Deltamicron” infections will be very transmissible or cause severe disease,’ he noted. This uncertainty poses additional challenges for public health officials globally as they continue to adapt strategies to manage the pandemic effectively.
Meanwhile, reports of a similar phenomenon, ‘Deltacron,’ previously surfaced in Cyprus, though many experts now believe those findings were likely the result of lab contamination rather than the presence of a new variant.
In addition to monitoring new variants, other ongoing research continues exploring treatment avenues for COVID-19. Notably, investigations into the bark of the neem tree, known for its potential antiviral properties, present possible new pathways for treatment. Researchers indicate that the neem bark might serve as an initial step in developing treatments for current and future strains of the virus.
Concurrently, a study has introduced a variant-proof approach to treatment, identifying alternative targets within SARS-CoV-2, aside from its rapidly mutating spike proteins. This approach is vital as it proposes the evaluation of a list of existing drugs for further investigation, offering promise for more effective treatments in the future.
As the world grapples with the evolving nature of COVID-19, understanding and monitoring new variants like the Delta-Omicron recombinant are crucial for developing effective responses. Continued research into antiviral treatments, alongside surveillance of emerging variants, remains imperative in the collective effort to manage the pandemic. Close observation by organizations like the WHO will help inform public health strategies and potential policy updates worldwide.
Source: MedicalNewsToday
