Scientists in France have identified a new and more mutated strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing covid-19 disease.
All about new Covid-19 variant ‘IHU’
Omicron has already been leading to surge in covid-19 cases worldwide.
First case with new variant was detected in December 2021.
New variant of the coronavirus has been named IHU or the B.1.640.2 variant.
It was discovered by the academics at institute IHU Mediterranee Infection.
It comprises of 46 mutations, more than Omicron, making it more resistant to vaccines and infectious.
The new variant comprises of 14 amino acid substitutions, including N501Y and E484K. Apart from that, 9 deletions are located in the spike protein. This genotype pattern led to creation of new Pangolin lineage named B.1.640.2. It is a phylogenetic sister group to the old B.1.640 lineage.
