On January 8, international media reported that scientists in Cyprus have discovered a new variant that “combines elements of the Delta and Omicron variants.” This variant has been named Deltacron.
The new variant is believed to combine elements of the Delta and Omicron variants.
According to Bloomberg News, Professor of Biological Sciences Leondios Kostrikis at the University of Cyprus stated: “Currently, there are infections of both the Omicron and Delta variants. And we have discovered a strain of the virus that combines these two variants.”
He added that this variant was named “Deltacron” because the scientists in Cyprus found that it carries the genetic makeup of the Delta variant but exhibits genetic signs similar to those of the Omicron variant.
Professor Kostrikis and his research team have identified 25 cases of this variant. The incidence of the new variant appears to be higher among hospitalized individuals than among those not hospitalized.
The genetic sequences of the 25 Deltacron cases were submitted to GISAID, the international database that monitors changes in viruses, on January 7.
It is currently unclear whether the Deltacron variant causes more severe illness or is more transmissible than the Delta and Omicron variants. However, in Professor Kostrikis’s personal view, this variant will likely be outcompeted by the Omicron variant, which is thought to be highly transmissible.
News of the Deltacron variant comes as the Omicron variant continues to spread globally, leading to a surge in Covid-19 cases. According to analysis by CNBC as of January 7, the United States recorded over 600,000 new cases daily (averaged over 7 days), an increase of 72% compared to the previous week.
