Scientists in Texas A&M identify a new variant of coronavirus called BV-1

College Station, Texas – Scientists at Texas A&M University have identified a new variant of coronavirus.

The variant was discovered by researchers at the school’s Global Health Research Complex. It is called the BV-1 variant due to its origin in the Brazos Valley, scientists said.

The case was identified in a saliva sample taken from an off-campus A&M student on March 5, and the student tested positive again on March 25. The scientists said that this may indicate that the BV-1 variant causes a longer infection in adults between the ages of 18 and 24. than is typical for COVID-19. The student suffered only mild, cold-like symptoms, and these symptoms resolved by April 2.

Scientists have said that this variant is worrying due to its genetic structure.

“Currently we do not know the full significance of this variant, but it has a combination of mutations similar to other variants of concern that can be reported internationally,” said Vir NeHR Chief Virologist Ben Neuman in a press release by school. This variant combines separately associated genetic markers with rapid spread, severe disease and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.

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The A&M student in which the variant was found is the only case of the variant that has been reported so far, the scientists said.

Although we may not yet fully understand the significance of BV-1, the variant highlights a continuing need for rigorous surveillance and genomic testing, including among young adults with no or only mild symptoms, Neuman said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, five variants of COVID-19 have been identified. This would be the sixth.