‘AY.4.2 is a descendant of Delta variant, spreads faster'

Mumbai: A new mutated form of coronavirus—AY.4.2— is present in India “in very low numbers”, say scientists.

- Malathy Iyer

When contacted, Dr Anurag Agrawal, director at CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in Delhi, said, “AY.4.2 is present in India based on the revised definition, but at very low numbers, less than 0.1%.” IGIB is one of the main laboratories involved in the INSACOG genomic surveillance exercise.

Dr Agrawal said further details and the exact number of AY.4.2 in India would be available soon. AY.4.2 is a descendant of the Delta variant, which has so far been considered the most dangerous form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, affecting millions worldwide.

Delta has been studied closely using genome sequencing since early this year and its tribe extends up to AY.39. The lineage AY.4 was considered the fastest growing in many continents, including India, in the last three months until the UK health authorities earlier this week announced the spread of AY.4.2.