A new sub-variant of the omicron strain has been identified today by scientists in the UK and experts believe it will be much more difficult to identify the new sub-strain due to its genetics.
The sub-variant was given the name B.A2 and is claimed to be very different from the omicron strain from which it evolved.
It has been identified in South Africa, Australia and Canada.
The significant difference that will make it difficult for researchers is the absence of the S gene, a genetic sequence that makes it easier for scientists to identify the omicron variant of the corona virus from other strains.
François Blau, head of the Genetics Institute of the University of London, told the British Guardian that "the omicron and the new sub-variant behave very differently".
"Although the difference between the virus strains makes the identification of the new subspecies more difficult, there is still nothing to be afraid of," writes Vinod Skaria, a senior biologist at the Institute for Genetic and Biological Research of the Scientific Research Council of India.
"There is no reason at this stage to think that the new strain poses a higher risk than the original omicron now knocking on UK doors. But it is still too early to draw any conclusions," explains Professor David Stewart of the Institute of Structural Biology at Oxford University.
Although the researchers who tested the new sub-variant believe it will be more difficult to detect, PCR tests will still be able to find it.
Scientists will have to focus on genetic sequences that are harder to find in order to identify and isolate the variant.
"We will not be able to use our usual shortcut to identify the omicron strain, but the good news is that PCR tests will still work."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us