Delta Remains Main Variant Of Concern In India: Genome Sequencing Panel

The Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to be the main variant of concern (VOC), while other variants of interest (VOI) or concern are now negligible in sequencing data from India, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) said.

While an INSACOG bulletin said there is no change in the global scenario, it also noted that, in India, Delta (B.1.617.2 and AY.x) continues to be the main variant of concern.

"Delta, including B.1.617.2 (AY) and AY.x sublineages, continues to be the main VOC globally. As per the latest WHO update, Delta has outcompeted other variants in most countries and there is now declining prevalence of other variants among SARS-CoV-2 sequences submitted to publicly available datasets or reported to WHO," it said.

"No new VOI or VOC are noted, and other VOC and VOI other than Delta are now negligible in sequencing data from India," it said.

Delta, which was first detected in India in October last year, led to the devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, which was at its peak in April and May.

INSACOG, a consortium of 28 national laboratories, was set up in December 2020 to monitor the genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 causing virus. A pan-India network, it functions under the Union health ministry.