Daily Times

The genotyping of randomly selected 94 positive samples of Covid-19 revealed 65 cases of delta variants, which makes 69 percent of total samples tested, which requires the immediate action of the concerned authorities to prevent the possible spread of the fatal delta variant in Karachi.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi has processed a total of 2062 samples received from the Sindh Health Department in two days, from July 12 to 13, 2021, out of the entire samples, a total of 163 were found positive, which shows the seriousness of the prevailing situation in the metropolis.”

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, and COMSTECH Coordinator General disclosed this while presiding over a meeting held at the PCMD on Thursday.

The results of the genotyping , conducted at the National Institute of Virology, show 65 delta (Indian) variants, two South African variants, 25 unidentified variants, and two wild type variants, he said.

Prof. Choudhary speculated that 25 unidentified variants may be delta plus variant or new variant.

“The presence of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant has already been confirmed in the Sindh province and its local transmission is evident from the recently identified cluster,” he said.

Researchers of the National Institute of Virology are constantly monitoring the spread of this variant in the metropolis, which is really a matter of concern, he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that previous genotyping analysis on samples collected between June 25- 9 July showed 15 percent of samples as delta variant, adding this delta variant has been identified in various parts of the city and its proportion in positive cases is rapidly increasing.

He urged the citizens to avoid violating SOPs. He maintained that there was a dire need to take concrete steps in the city as the delta variant was quite fatal, and was responsible for the devastating second wave in India.

It is pertinent to mention here that the variant was identified in October 2020 in India.

The main characteristics of this variant are increased transmissibility, more severe disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths), a significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination, and reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines.