In a significant development in the ongoing pandemic, US researchers have confirmed the emergence of a new hybrid COVID-19 variant, a fusion of the Delta and Omicron strains, found in patients across several states.
The variant, unofficially dubbed 'Deltacron', was identified through genetic sequencing by scientists at Helix, a private testing company. The discovery marks a rare instance of viral recombination, where two variants infect the same cell and swap genetic material to create a new version of the virus.
Where Has The Variant Been Detected?
Evidence of the recombinant variant has been identified in patient samples from:
- New Mexico
- Southern California
- Texas
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
While the number of confirmed cases remains low, its presence across a geographically diverse area has prompted close monitoring by health authorities.
What Does This Mean for the Pandemic?
Health experts are urging calm but vigilance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the finding, with lead scientist Dr Maria Van Kerkhove stating that such recombinants were "expected, especially with intense circulation of both Omicron and Delta".
Initial analysis suggests the hybrid variant possesses the backbone of the Delta variant with the spike protein of Omicron. The crucial question now is whether this combination will result in a virus that is more transmissible or causes more severe illness than its predecessors. Scientists are racing to understand its characteristics, including its potential to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infection.
The Global Context and Next Steps
Similar recombinant variants have been reported in parts of Europe, but the US findings represent a clear confirmation of its independent emergence within the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with researchers to track its spread and assess its risk.
For the public, health officials reiterate that the best defence remains getting fully vaccinated and boosted, as current vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe disease, hospitalisation, and death from all known variants.
