SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.16: The XBB.1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the SARS Covid virus. It is a descendent of the XBB lineage. SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.16 is also important for UPSC Prelims 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Science and Technology and various related developments; Disasters and Disaster Management).
Throughout the course of the last three years and multiple outbreaks of COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been undergoing genetic changes, leading to the emergence of new variants or strains. In this context, The XBB.1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the SARS Covid virus that has been circulating predominantly in India.
When a virus is co-infected with multiple lineages, there is a possibility that the resulting recombinations between genomes can create chimeric genomes, known as recombinants. Although most recombinations do not produce viable viruses, in rare cases, recombination can lead to the emergence of a new lineage of the virus with enhanced functional capabilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several recombinant lineages of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged, including two Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) designated by the World Health Organization. These variants are-
The WHO has also designated XBB.1.5, a sublineage of XBB that was first detected in New York City in October 2022, as a Variant of Interest (VOI).
The XBB.1.16 lineage of SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in India and is a recombinant lineage that evolved from the XBB lineage.
India is currently experiencing an increase in both seasonal influenza H3N2 and COVID-19 cases in March, despite low testing numbers.
The government should focus on protecting vulnerable populations through established measures which could significantly reduce the rise in infections in the country.
Q. What is SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.16?
Ans. SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was first detected in India. It is a descendant of the XBB lineage and has been found to have a higher growth advantage and potential for immune escape than other Omicron lineages.
Q. What are the symptoms of XBB.1.16?
Ans. There is currently no evidence to suggest that infections with XBB.1.16 differ in clinical severity from those caused by other Omicron lineages. However, its higher growth advantage and potential for immune escape may increase the risk of reinfection compared to other circulating Omicron lineages.
Q. Is the current COVID-19 vaccine effective against XBB.1.16?
Ans. There is currently limited information on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against XBB.1.16. However, it is believed that the vaccines provide some protection against the variant, and getting vaccinated is still strongly recommended to reduce the severity of illness and prevent hospitalization.
Q. How is XBB.1.16 detected?
Ans. XBB.1.16 is detected through genomic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples. However, not all positive samples are sequenced, so the actual number of cases may be higher than what is reported.
Q. Where has XBB.1.16 been detected?
Ans. XBB.1.16 has been detected in at least 14 countries around the world, including India, the United States, Singapore, and several European countries. However, due to limited genomic surveillance, its actual prevalence may be higher than what is currently known.
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SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was first detected in India. It is a descendant of the XBB lineage and has been found to have a higher growth advantage and potential for immune escape than other Omicron lineages.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that infections with XBB.1.16 differ in clinical severity from those caused by other Omicron lineages. However, its higher growth advantage and potential for immune escape may increase the risk of reinfection compared to other circulating Omicron lineages.
There is currently limited information on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against XBB.1.16. However, it is believed that the vaccines provide some protection against the variant, and getting vaccinated is still strongly recommended to reduce the severity of illness and prevent hospitalization.
XBB.1.16 is detected through genomic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples. However, not all positive samples are sequenced, so the actual number of cases may be higher than what is reported.
XBB.1.16 has been detected in at least 14 countries around the world, including India, the United States, Singapore, and several European countries. However, due to limited genomic surveillance, its actual prevalence may be higher than what is currently known.
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