A new corona variant has been found in a hospital in Lannion, in northwestern Brittany. There, 79 cases were tested. Eight test results that initially turned out to be negative were an as yet unknown variant of the virus. The RIVM has not yet detected the ‘Breton variant’ in our country.
The unknown variant was discovered by genome sequencing, in which the complete genetic profile of the virus is mapped, reports the French health service today. In several patients it appeared that the variant could be detected by deeper airway tests and blood tests. A positive test result was not obtained by means of the traditional nose and throat examination with cotton swabs.
In addition, the health service indicates that it has not yet been demonstrated that the Breton variant causes a more serious disease course or is more contagious. According to epidemiologist Alma Tostmann of Radboud UMC, this conclusion is quite premature: “You cannot say that about eight cases. In addition, much is still unknown about this variant.”
Genetic letters
It is also not clear why the variant initially went unnoticed. To find the presence of a virus, a PCR test or a rapid test can be used. There is then to targets wanted, small specific pieces of the virus that one is looking for.
If more details about the virus are needed to find out what variant it is, then the genetic sequence of that virus needs to be looked at.
“The more you look at viruses in detail, the greater the chance that you will find new variants. However, whether these new variants also have new properties is still the question”, says epidemiologist and microbiologist Amrish Baidjoe. “More detail is better. But that takes longer and is also more expensive.”
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