Deltacron, a new variant discovered in Cyprus
ERBIL, KRG, Iraq (North Press) – Researches from Cyprus announced yesterday, the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus known as “Deltacron” variant.
The Health Minister of Cyprus Michalis Hadjipantelas said the new Deltacron combines variants of Delta and Omicron at the same time.
The new mutation shares the genetic background of the Delta variant along with some of the mutations of Omicron, the Minister said.
Deltacron combines at least 10 mutations of the Delta and Omicron.
Deltacron was detected in 25 samples taken in Cyprus, 11 of the samples came from people who were hospitalized due to the virus, while 14 came from the general population, he added.
The minster pointed out that the frequency of mutation among those people hospitalized was higher and this could lead to a theory that there is a relation between Deltacron and hospitalization.
The minister did not exclude the possibility of other countries to have cases of the same variant “Deltacron” and this gives the new discovery a universal importance.
The 25 samples detected will be sent to GISAID to be provided for the whole world.
GISAID is a global science initiative and primary source established in 2008 that provides open-access to genomic data of influenza viruses.