In Russia, the spread of a new variant of the delta strain of coronavirus AY.4.2 may begin, said Kamil Khafizov, head of the scientific group for the development of new methods for diagnosing human diseases at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor. A new variety of the strain, previously recorded in the UK, was found in Russia in isolated cases, the frequency of its detection in the world is increasing. However, according to the expert, while scientists do not believe that she is responsible for the increase in the incidence.
“Yes, the AY.4.2 variant of the delta line is already being detected in isolated cases in Russia, as follows from the results of sequencing the genomes of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus deposited in the VGARus database,” said Mr. Khafizov (quoted by RIA Novosti ).
According to the expert, this variant is one of the branches of the “delta” line, which may possibly have advantages over the original and other versions of the virus. Scientists are now studying the question of the infectivity of the new version.
“The likelihood of its widespread distribution in the Russian Federation and in the world is sufficient. The frequency of this subline is increasing, but experts do not believe that it is she who is responsible for the continuing large number of daily cases of coronavirus infection in various countries, ”Kamil Khafizov said.
Variety AY.4.2 was first discovered in the UK in July, scientists speculated that it could be 10-15% more infectious than the “delta”.
More details – in the material “Kommersant FM” “Coronavirus offers options.”
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