NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / COVID-19 XE variant reported by Gujarat; detected in 67-year-old man
    COVID-19 XE variant reported by Gujarat; detected in 67-year-old man
    India

    COVID-19 XE variant reported by Gujarat; detected in 67-year-old man

    Written by Manzoor-ul-Hassan
    Edited by Ramya Patelkhana
    April 09, 2022 | 03:59 pm 3 min read
    COVID-19 XE variant reported by Gujarat; detected in 67-year-old man
    The XE strain of COVID-19 was found in a 67-year-old male who traveled to Vadodara from Mumbai and tested positive during his stay at a hotel on March 12.

    Gujarat's health department authorities on Saturday confirmed that the XE variant of the novel coronavirus was detected in a patient who had tested positive about a month ago. Manoj Aggarwal—the department's Additional Chief Secretary—has reportedly stated the XE strain was found in a 67-year-old man who had traveled from Mumbai to Vadodara and tested positive while staying at a hotel back on March 12.

    Why does this story matter?

    As the XE variant is considered to be the most infectious COVID-19 strain to date, the development can be worrying news for India. However, the XE strain accounts for a small number of cases across the globe at present. It may also be noted that India is witnessing a declining trend of COVID-19 cases, even as several countries are seeing a huge spike.

    Kolkata lab confirms the presence of XE variant

    The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre reportedly found the XE variant in the 67-year-old patient's sample 12 days ago. However, the sample was later sent to the DBT-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kolkata for confirmation as per the INSACOG norms. "The confirmation report of the XE variant was received Friday night. We are getting more details and trying to trace his close contacts," Aggarwal said.

    Patient, wife were under home quarantine: Officials

    Health department officials also said the patient was from Mumbai and had visited Vadodara with his wife, but didn't meet anybody in Vadodara. The couple checked into a hotel room after arriving in Vadodara and the man had soon developed symptoms like fever. So, they underwent a COVID-19 test and after testing positive, the couple returned to Mumbai and remained in strict home quarantine.

    First case reportedly detected in Mumbai

    Earlier this week, India reportedly detected its first case of the XE in coronavirus variant Mumbai. However, the Union Health Ministry had denied the same and said that the available evidence didn't suggest the presence of the new XE strain. Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) had recently warned that the XE variant may be more contagious than any other strain of COVID-19.

    Origin and genetics of XE variant

    The XE strain was detected in the UK at the start of this year. It is a "recombinant" strain and is a mutation of the BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants of the Omicron variant. Recombinant strains emerge when a patient is infected by multiple variants of COVID-19. The variants mix up their genetic material during replication and form a new mutation.

    Other recombinant strains discovered so far

    According to a recent study by the UK Health Security Agency, three new recombinant strains—namely XD, XE, and XF—are currently spreading. Among these, XF is another Omicron hybrid between Delta and the BA.1 lineage and was discovered in the UK, but has not been detected since February 15. The XD and XF mutations are referred to as the much-talked-about "Deltacron" strains.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Mumbai
    Gujarat
    Coronavirus
    COVID-19
    Coronavirus Mutation

    Mumbai

    INS Vikrant case: FIR against BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, son Sanjay Raut
    ED attaches Sanjay Raut's properties in Rs. 1,034 crore scam Enforcement Directorate (ED)
    Fuel prices hiked again, 13th increase in 15 days Petrol Diesel Prices
    India recorded hottest March since 1901; what caused severe heatwave? India

    Gujarat

    Top 5 jungle safaris in India for an exhilarating experience West Bengal
    Gujarat gets India's first 'steel road'; know everything about it Surat
    5 offbeat tourist destinations in Gujarat Travel And Tourism
    Modi holds roadshow in poll-bound Gujarat after BJP's election wins Narendra Modi

    Coronavirus

    COVID-19 survivors at risk of developing serious blood clots: Study SARS-CoV-2
    COVID-19: India reports 1,660 new cases, 4,100 more deaths Union Health Ministry
    COVID-19: India reports 1,938 new cases; 67 more fatalities India
    COVID-19: Cases surge in Asia, Europe; WHO issues warning World Health Organization

    COVID-19

    COVID-19: India logs 1,150 new cases, 83 more deaths Union Health Ministry
    COVID-19 vaccine precautionary dose: How eligible adults can book slots Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
    COVID-19 vaccine precautionary dose available for 18+ from April 10 India
    COVID-19: India logs 1,109 new cases, 43 more deaths COVID-19 India

    Coronavirus Mutation

    South Korea logs record-high 6 lakh daily COVID-19 cases South Korea
    Omicron: Maharashtra asked to align travel rules with central guidelines Maharashtra
    How Indian states are preparing to fight Omicron variant Delhi
    No conclusive evidence to suggest Omicron more transmissible: Top virologist World Health Organization
    Next News Article

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023