The latest development in the ongoing saga of the COVID-19 pandemic is the identification of a new variant of the coronavirus, known as IHU (Instituts Hospitalo-Universitaires), first detected in France. This discovery has sparked some concern globally, particularly in the context of the widespread Omicron variant. Here’s an in-depth look at the main points related to this new strain.
Discovery of the IHU Variant
Researchers from Méditerranée Infection in Marseille, part of France’s Instituts hospitalo-universitaires (IHU), announced the discovery of this new variant. The first known IHU case emerged in mid-November 2021 in a French man who had returned from Cameroon in Africa, where the Omicron variant was also first identified.
The IHU variant is a sub-lineage of the B.1.640 and has been classified further as B.1.640.2. It stands out due to its 46 mutations and 37 deletions in genetic code, which exceeds the number found in the Omicron variant. Many of these changes affect the spike protein of the virus.
Rate of Spread and Global Concern
Presently, the IHU variant’s spread seems relatively contained, with only a dozen cases reported in France and no new cases detected in any other country. The IHU variant does not appear to be spreading at a concerning rate, unlike the Omicron variant. Its array of mutations has intrigued researchers and raised public concern, but it does not pose a significant threat currently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has not designated this new IHU variant as a variant of interest, concern, or even under investigation.
Variants: Classification and Implications
Variants of the coronavirus are classified based on specific characteristics that have implications for disease transmission and severity, diagnostic efficacy, treatment effectiveness, and other factors.
A ‘Variant of Interest’ or VOI has specific genetic markers associated with changes to receptor binding, reduced neutralization by antibodies, decreased treatment efficacy, potential diagnostic impact, or anticipated increased transmissibility or disease severity. Currently, the Mu (B.1.621) and Lambda (C.37) variants fall in this category.
‘Variants of Concern’ or VOCs are those with evidence of increased transmissibility, more severe disease manifestation, significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies, decreased effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures. Currently identified VOCs include B.1.1.7 (UK variant), B.1.351 (South Africa Variant), P.1 (Brazil Variant), B.1.427.
A ‘Variant of High Consequence’ shows clear evidence that prevention measures or medical countermeasures have significantly reduced effectiveness compared to previous variants.
‘h4>Mutation, Variant, and Strain: Understanding the Differences
All viruses, including coronaviruses, mutate over time – meaning they don’t always produce an exact replica of themselves. Any changes to the viral genetic sequence during this process is a Mutation. Viruses with new mutations are called Variants, which can differ by one or multiple mutations. When a new variant has different functional properties to the original virus and gets established in a population, it is termed as a New Strain. Thus, while all strains are variants, not all variants are deemed strains.