Scientists in Texas have identified a variant of coronavirus that could pose a challenge to patients and health care workers trying to treat them.
Texas A&M scientists say that variant, which they call it BV-1, was found only in a person with mild symptoms at this time. It was discovered in a student’s saliva sample taken as part of the university’s COVID-19 testing program.
However, they considered it important to tell the scientific community, as experiments suggest that antibodies are ineffective in controlling variants with the same genetic markers as BV-1.
“At present we do not know the full significance of this variant, but it has a combination of similar mutations with other variants of concern that can be reported internationally.” said Texas A & M’s Chief virologist at the global health research complex Ben Neuman.
This variant combines separately associated genetic markers with rapid spread, severe disease and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.
Scientists say that BV-1 is related to the coronavirus variant identified in the United Kingdom.
The student sample tested positive for COVID-19 on March 5, then provided a second sample on March 25, which was also positive. A sample taken on April 9 was negative. Scientists say that this 20-day stretch with two positive COVID-19 results may indicate a longer infection than is typical for this variant.
The student told the scientists that he had mild “cold-like symptoms” in mid-March and that they disappeared by April.
“Although we may not yet fully understand the 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.” Neuman said.
The Texas A&M lab has discovered “scores” of coronavirus mutations in recent weeks, they said, as part of their extensive genetic sequencing program, which includes samples from a wide range of students and patients.