Mumbai: Third COVID-19 Genetic Sequencing Depicts That Delta Remains The Dominant Variant

On Sunday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proclaimed the results of the third COVID-19 genetic sequencing, based on which the Delta variant continues to be the most dominant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the island city, reported the Times of India. In cognizance of the trend seen worldwide, the survey depicted that the number of Delta derivatives in Mumbai’s samples has risen.

Out of the 343 COVID-19 positive samples studied, in the third sequencing, 54% had the Delta variant, whilst 34% had Delta derivatives whilst 12% had other variants. Based on the second survey undertaken in September, 80% of the samples had the Delta strain.

According to reports, Delta derivatives are sub-lineages of the Delta variant which are said to be the most perilous mutations of the virus to date since it surges transferability and the chance to result in a severe COVID-19 infection. It is believed that it is due to Delta that the second wave occurred in the country. On the other hand, officials from the BMC are of the opinion that Delta derivatives couldn’t be as dangerous as the Delta variant. Suresh Kakani, the additional municipal commissioner of the BMC, mentioned that civic doctors compared the genetic results with the patients’ clinical reports that brought to light how Delta derivatives weren’t as transmissible.

The narrative further elucidates that, earlier reports depict that the Delta derivative, A.Y4 is increasing speedingly, whilst, it was the reason for a mere 2% samples from the state in July, its number surged to 44% in August.

Additionally, the third sequencing undertaken at Kasturba Hospital includes the study of breakthrough infections which means when an individual is infected in spite of being vaccinated. From the 343 COVID-19 patients’ samples studied, 54 had been administered one dose with, seven needing, to be admitted to the hospital and no one needing oxygen support or the need to be admitted to the ICU. With 168 patients being fully inoculated, 46 needed hospitalization and no fatalities were reported. This when contrasted to the 121 not inoculated, 57 required hospitalizations, with three fatalities being recorded.

With these numbers now brought to light, Kakani believes that the results point to the fact that the pandemic is in control because of vaccinations.

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