A very rare variant of the SarsCov2 virus has been identified by the Microbiology laboratory of Asst Sette Laghi, in the province of Varese, of which only one similar case in the world has already been identified in Thailand.
This variant, as announced by the ASST following the analyzes of the researchers led by Professor Fabrizio Maggi, differs in the sequencing of the entire spike protein, that part of SarsCov2 that makes contact with the cells to be invaded.
The discovery was then confirmed by the doctors of the San Raffaele in Milan who, in a short time, amplified and reconstructed the entire genome of the virus.
If the variant does not appear to have characteristics that affect the efficacy of vaccines, it shows genetic mutations to be studied.
The second case found is in Thailand, isolated in a traveler returning from Egypt.
"The identification of this variant that has only one other case described in the world is the starting point for new studies and insights - said Maggi - In particular, now that the entire genome of this variant of the virus has been reconstructed, we could understand its biological significance with in vitro studies and demonstrate its possible clinical and epidemiological impact on the population ".
"Once again Lombardy has demonstrated the excellence of its structures - said the councilor for Welfare Letizia Moratti - in this case with the ASST Sette Laghi and the University of Insubria and the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. , with internationally relevant results ".