The World Health Organization (WHO) said that both Omicron and Delta COVID-19 types were rapidly spreading, with recombinants expected, after the first concrete evidence of a combination virus (Omicron and Delta) was detected. WHO officials also said that “while we allow the virus to transmit at a rapid level it continues to evolve and more forms are expected.” Earlier this week, another recombinant COVID strain was also detected from Israel that combines Omicron BA.1 and BA. 2.
What did WHO say on Omicron Delta Recombinant Virus?
Regarding Omicron and Delta recombinant, WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove said on Twitter, this is to be expected, especially with the rapid circulation of Omicron and Delta. She further informed that WHO is tracking and discussing.
“Currently, there is no visible change in its severity and transmissibility, but there are several studies going on on this topic. At this stage, testing and sequencing remain important,” she explained.
Unfortunately, we expect to see recombinants because that’s what viruses do – they change over time. WHO is aware of this and it is something that is on our radar.
What is Delta+Omicron recombinant virus?
It is a hybrid version of the coronavirus that combines genes from delta and omicron variants. Philippe Colson of the IHU Mediterranean Infection in Marseille, France, who is the study’s lead author, noted that genetic recombination of coronaviruses occurs when two types infect the same host cells.
“During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, two or more variants have co-circulated during the same time period and in the same geographic areas … this has created opportunities for recombination between these two variants.”
Can the virus cause a serious infection?
So far 17 confirmed cases of the recombinant virus have been detected in the US and Europe. Since there are so few confirmed cases, it is too early to know whether a DeltaCron infection will be very contagious or cause serious illness.
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