Double mutant strains have a role in sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in India : Report

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh are among the states where the double mutant stains have been detected, they said adding that these mutants are responsible for the faster spread of the infection, the report stated.

However, they ruled out that these mutants have 100 per cent role in the current spike.

"A 'double mutation is when two mutated strains of a virus come together to form a third strain. The one reported in India is the result of the E484Q and L452R strains combining.The L452R strain is found in California in the United States and the E484Q strain is indigenous," stated the NDTV report.

After conducting genome sequencing on nearly 14,0000 samples, data on double mutations and the rising trend were detected, officials told NDTV.

Genome sequencing is a testing process to understand complete genetics of an organism.

The role of double mutants is being examined in Covid-linked deaths, the severity of infections, preliminary infection, reinfection, its effects on vaccination, said the officials.

A mix of the UK strain of the virus as well strains with double mutations has been detected in Delhi, they infomed.

British strain was found in 80 per cent of the people who contracted the infection in Punjab.

Nearly 60 per cet of the Covid cases detected in Maharashtra have double mutant strain but capital Maharashtra hasn't reported it.

The report said that 18 to 19 states or 70 to 80 districts have the UK strain while fewer districts have reported the presence of the Brazilian and South African variants.

In whichever state the double mutant strain is detected, the Union health ministry shares the information with that state, officials said. The state surveillance officer then prepares a ground action plan to tackle the situation, they added, stated the report.