Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the “double mutant” coronavirus variant?
A. According to Union Health Ministry a unique “double mutant” coronavirus variant with a combination of mutations not seen anywhere else in the world has been found in India.
B. Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) is a consortium of 10 laboratories across the country.
C. Both A & B
D. None of these
Explanation:
A unique “double mutant” coronavirus variant with a combination of mutations not seen anywhere else in the world has been found in India. However, it is still to be established if this has any role to play in increased infectivity or in making COVID-19 more severe. Genome sequencing of a section of virus samples by a consortium of 10 laboratories across the country, called the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), revealed the presence of two mutations, E484Q and L452R together, in at least 200 virus samples.
