2023-08-11 08:10:14
New Omicron Strains “GK (XBB.1.5.70)” and “HK.3 (XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3)” Detected
Amid the ongoing global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Genome Center has issued a warning about the emergence of two new Omicron strains. These new variants, labeled “GK (XBB.1.5.70)” and “HK.3 (XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3)”, have been identified as a significant concern due to their increased infectiousness.
The Medical Genome Center, based at the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, has advised the public to remain vigilant in light of these new strains. It is believed that they have evolved with two adjacent mutated spines, or double mutations, which enhance their adhesion to the cell surface. As a result, it is expected that these strains will be more infectious than all previous XBB strains, including Eris (EG.5.1).
However, it is crucial not to panic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has used Greek letters to designate strains of concern or Variants of Concern (VOCs) in the past. These include the Alpha variant, which originated in the United Kingdom and was more infectious than the original Wuhan strain. The Beta variant, found in South Africa, was not only more infectious but also less susceptible to vaccines. The Gamma variant, discovered in Brazil, was more infectious and displayed reduced susceptibility to vaccines. The Delta variant, first identified in India, was even more infectious and more virulent than other Omikron species found in Botswana and South Africa. These Omikron variants, including BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, XBC (Deltacron), and XBB, have caused significant concerns worldwide.
Of all the Omikron variants, BA.5 has been identified as the most infectious. However, subsequent variants have evolved through crossbreeding between the “delta” and “omikron” strains. This resulted in the emergence of “detacron (XBC)”, which was first detected in December 2021 and has since been found in various countries, including the United States, France, and Denmark. Fortunately, it appears to be less infectious than BA.5 and not as severe as the Delta strain.
In 2022, the Omicron strain underwent further mutation, giving rise to new breeds such as subspecies BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75, collectively known as “XBB”. These new strains, first detected in August 2022, have been identified in countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. While XBB is more infectious than BA.2.75, it has not resulted in more severe infections than the original Omicron strain.
Among the subspecies of XBB, several more mutations have occurred, including XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.9.1, and most recently, EG.5.1 or Eris. Originating from XBB.1.9.2, the EG.5.1 strain has an additional mutation at F456L in the spiky region. In the United Kingdom, the prevalence of EG.5.1 has been increasing at a rate of 20.51% per week. Meanwhile, in the United States, EG.5.1 has become the most prevalent species, surpassing XBB.1.16.
Addressing these new variants, the US Food and Drug Administration officials have stated that late 2023 to early 2024 vaccinations should use a single-strain vaccine or one of the “monovalent” Omikron XBB substrains. These substrains include XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, or XBB.2.3, which are largely endemic throughout the United States.
Scientists have recently discovered a new phenomenon, known as “Flip,” which allows the virus to adhere more firmly to the cell surface. This is due to a double mutation at two adjacent loci, resulting in changes at the amino acid level. The two new variants GK (XBB.1.5.70) and HK.3 (XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3) have emerged from these mutations.
It is important to note that these new strains have not yet been found in Thailand, but they have been decrypted and shared on various databases worldwide. Omicron GK (XBB.1.5.70) has been identified in 410 samples, while Omikron “GK” and HK.3 have only been found in 2 samples. Continuous monitoring will be required to assess the potential impact of these variants.
The evolution from XBB.1.15 to XBB.1.5.70 (GK) and from EG.5.1 to XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3 (HK.3) is an example of “convergent evolution,” illustrating how nature drives the development of living organisms. Despite originating from different subspecies, both XBB.1.15 and XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3 have evolved in similar ways with double mutations (L455F and F456L) due to similar environmental pressures.
Omicron XBB.1.5.70 (GK) has demonstrated a growth advantage of approximately 27% over EG.5.1. This suggests that the ongoing development of new variants may be influenced by vaccination efforts and the virus’s adaptation to human immunity.
Similar to various animals that have independently evolved similar traits to survive in specific environments, the mutations observed in XBB.1.15 and EG.5.1, resulting in new XBB variants GK (XBB.1.5.70) and HK.3 (XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3), may be adaptations to environmental pressures and vaccine-related challenges.
Overall, these new Omicron strains highlight the need for continuous surveillance and research to combat the evolving COVID-19 virus. While the situation remains concerning, it is essential to stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and adhere to vaccination recommendations to minimize the spread and impact of the virus.]
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