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Time of India
9 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
XFG dominant strain, multiple Omicron subvariants spreading in Maharashtra, reveals genome study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Eugenópolis (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring [VUM] by WHO). After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " Hospitals in the city reported a noticeable uptick in Covid cases this week compared to previous weeks. Daily or alternate-day deaths, mostly among those with pre-existing conditions, have been recorded. The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since January this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
XFG dominant Covid strain in Maharashtra, finds genome sequencing study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring by WHO). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since Jan this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
Mint
24-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
On Covid-19 cases in India, experts say: 'Rise not a worry, no new variant or severe illness seen'
India has experienced a slight rise in Covid-19 cases across nine states over the past week, alongside a similar increase observed in Southeast Asia. However, experts emphasise that case numbers in India remain low, with no alarming trends or new variants of concern identified so far. Following a rise in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, India has also begun to witness an uptick in infections, particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. While the overall case count remains relatively low compared to previous waves, health authorities are maintaining close surveillance of the evolving situation. Read | Kerala logs 182 COVID cases in May; Health Minister Veena George says 'We need to be prepared' Specialists suggest that the modest rise in India may not accurately represent the true number of Covid-19 infections, as many individuals with respiratory symptoms do not pursue Covid-19 testing. Nonetheless, there is no indication that the virus has mutated to cause more severe disease. They also note that the 'zero' active cases reported in several states might reflect insufficient testing rather than a genuine absence of infections. Read | Covid-19 cases in Delhi: 23 new infections found; advisory issued, hospitals asked to prepare for beds, oxygen The recent surge in cases across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand is largely attributed to various descendants of the omicron variant, which swept the globe in 2021-2022. Microbiologists monitoring the virus's evolution state that major changes in infection patterns or severity are unlikely unless the virus undergoes a significant evolutionary shift. 'The variant in Hong Kong is NB.1.8.1, which is a combination of XDV and JN.1. XDV has evolved from XBB, and JN.1 has evolved from BA.2,' Rajesh Karyakarte, professor and head of microbiology at BJ Medical College, Pune was quoted as saying by Telegraph. 'All are derivatives of omicron variants such as XBB or JN.1 that have widely circulated in India in the past. We don't expect these derivatives to cause any major shift in hospitalisation patterns. Our high rates of vaccination and natural infections have contributed to the immunity.' Read | Is Covid-19 back in India? All we know amid recent surge in Hong Kong, Singapore Karyakarte, who is part of a nationwide laboratory network that tracked Covid-19 genomic changes throughout the pandemic, notes that genomic surveillance declined as infections became less severe and fewer people sought Covid-19 testing. However, the network continued monitoring sewage samples, which experts believe could offer early warnings of emerging outbreaks in specific locations. 'Sewage surveillance continued for months even after the end of the pandemic — we saw some humps associated with mild localised increases in infections in some places, but no sharp spikes,' Souvik Mukherjee, a scientist at the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, involved in the surveillance told Telegraph. The rise in cases has not been consistent across all states. Kerala reported the most significant increase, with active cases climbing from 26 on 12 May to 95 on 19 May, followed by Maharashtra, which saw numbers rise from 12 to 56, and Tamil Nadu, increasing from 32 to 66 during the same period. 'Waning immunity, inconsistent (vaccine) booster uptake, and a demand for testing contribute to higher detection rates and infection counts,' Arup Halder, consultant pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital, Calcutta told Telegraph.
