Global Biosecurity (Dec 2021)

Is the Delta Plus Variant (B.1.617.2/AY1) more serious than the Delta Variant?

  • Mohana Priya Kunasekaran,
  • Danielle Hutchinson,
  • Haley Stone,
  • Xin Chen,
  • Moa Aye

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.139
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1

Abstract

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When initially identified, the Delta Plus Variant was flagged as a Variant of Concern and was expected to be equally or possibly more pathogenic than the Delta Variant strain. However, a low proportion of global sequences suggest that Delta Plus has reduced transmissibility. Preliminary data shows that existing vaccines are still effective against Delta Plus variant. Continued surveillance is needed for early identification of more virulent strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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