Covid: Centre advises Maharashtra, Kerala and MP on Delta plus variant

Delta plus variant leads to increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells, potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response, says INSACOG, a consortium of 28 laboratories

India’s gene-sequencing consortia has classified the new Delta plus mutation of coronavirus as a variant of concern, following 22 cases being reported across three states including Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. 

The Delta plus variant, Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) said, has increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and has the potential to reduce response to monoclonal antibody treatment. 

INSACOG is a consortium of 28 laboratories of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Dept. of Biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for whole genome sequencing in the context