A new variant of Sars-Cov-2, renamed Gryphon, ends up in the spotlight of the WHO for its ability to spread. “As of October 17, Xbb, a recombinant of Ba.2.10.1 and Ba.2.75 with 14 additional mutations in the Spike protein of Ba.2, has been reported by 26 countries, including Italy. Preliminary laboratory evidence suggests that Xbb is the most immune-evasive variant identified to date “, highlights the World Health Organization in the weekly epidemiological update.
As of October 17, the UN health agency continues, 233 sequences of Griffin and 609 sequences of the further sub-variant Xbb.1 are registered in the Gisaid database. Two sequences of Xbb.1 in Italy, in Abruzzo and Friuli Venezia Giulia, according to the latest flash survey of the Higher Institute of Health. “While recombinant Xbb shows signs of a greater growth advantage over other Omicron variants, there is still no evidence of any change in disease severity it can cause,” WHO concludes.