Scientists at the University of Texas A&M have identified a new variant of the COVID-19 virus.
The variant, named BV-1 for Valea Brazos origin, was discovered at the university’s Global Health Research Complex in a saliva sample taken from a Texas A&M student in early March, the school said.
Texas A&M said scientists found only one case of the variant.
“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 Ben Neuman, chief virologist at the Global Health Research Complex. This variant combines separately associated genetic markers with rapid spread, severe disease and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.
The lab first detected the BV-1 variant in a sample that tested positive on March 5, the university said. The sample was subsequently retested and confirmed at a federally regulated laboratory.
Officials said the student gave positive results again on March 25 before giving negative results on April 9.
The university said that BV-1 is one of thousands of variants found worldwide and that scientists will continue to search for more cases of the variant.
“Sequencing helps provide an early warning system for new variants,” Neuman said. Although we may not yet understand the full significance of BV-1, the variant highlights the continuing need for rigorous surveillance and genomic testing, including among young adults with no or only mild symptoms.