The reasoning behind this assertion is because XBB15 has acquired several important mutations, making it by far the most immune escape variant
Post Date – 11:59 PM, Tue – 1/3/23
Hyderabad: The XBB15 Covid super variant, which is behind the recent wave of Covid infections in the US and UK, has made its way into Telangana.
The latest genome sequencing data from a Hyderabad-based genetic laboratory affiliated with the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genome Consortium (INSACOG) reported three XBB15-positive cases in Telangana.
Over the last two weeks, genetic laboratories affiliated to INSACOG in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka and several other states have stepped up sample collection from Covid-positive patients to Genetic sequencing is performed to determine locally prevalent strains of Covid.
Between December and January 2, India reported a total of 6 cases of XBB14 infection, of which 3 were from Telangana, 2 from Maharashtra and 1 XBB15 infection from Gujarat.
Geneticists from the United States, including JP Weiland, the first scientist to detect XBB15 in New Work, have made it clear that the American variant (XBB15) is ready to “kill” most other variants circulating worldwide and will likely in most countries.
The reasoning behind this assertion is because XBB15 has acquired several important mutations, making it by far the most immune escape variant to date. It spread much faster than any other early Omicron variant, leading to increased hospitalizations in U.S. cities.
In fact, in just one week, the XBB15 variant is now responsible for more than 40% of Covid infections in the US and UK. Because of its potential for rapid infection, geneticists began informally calling it the “Kraken,” the mythical Scandinavian sea monster.
XBB.1.5 is a subvariant of the Omicron XBB variant, which is a recombinant of the Omicron BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 subvariants. Because XBB15 is highly immune-evading, geneticists and scientists believe that the global spread of XBB15 supervariants from the United States is inevitable.
Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, a well-known epidemiologist, said on the microblogging website Twitter: “When XBB15 appeared, all variants were basically eliminated. The key dual advantages of XBB15 are that it has higher immune escape and higher immunity.” binding to ACE2 in human cells, endowing it with higher cell infectivity.”
Given the experience of having to deal with three consecutive waves of Covid over the past three years, the rapid spread of XBB15 has triggered a feeling of déjà vu among many in Hyderabad.
While the full impact of the XBB15 super variant on India’s population will be felt in the coming days, top health officials have advised caution and urged people to start taking precautions at all levels.
