Newly Identified Variant BA.2.86 of COVID-19 Under Close Monitoring by WHO and CDC
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have flagged a newly identified variant of COVID-19, named BA.2.86, as a “variant under monitoring.” Experts warn that if this highly mutated strain takes off, it could mark a significant leap in viral evolution.
BA.2.86, previously referred to as BA.X and nicknamed “Pirola” by variant trackers, has caught the attention of global health organizations. However, it currently holds the lowest level of alert, as “variants of interest” EG.5, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.6 are deemed of greater concern. Omicron remains the only variant classified as a “variant of concern.”
The CDC confirmed the detection of the BA.2.86 variant in the United States, namely in Michigan. It has also been reported in Denmark and Israel, where it was initially identified. Subsequently, the UK’s Health Security Agency disclosed that the variant had been found in England and that the situation was being assessed.
Unlike many other circulating variants, BA.2.86 is believed to have evolved from an earlier strain of Omicron, known as BA.2 or the original Omicron variant (BA.1.1.529). It significantly differs from its predecessor, featuring over 30 mutations that could potentially make it more immune-evasive and increase its infectivity.
Jesse Bloom, a computational biologist at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, explains that BA.2.86 is as distinctive from other Omicron strains as the original Omicron was from the strain found in Wuhan in 2019. Because of its uniqueness, there is the possibility that BA.2.86 could receive a Greek letter designation from the WHO and become the next variant of concern.
Ryan Gregory, a biology professor at the University of Guelph, states that BA.2.86 stands out due to the large number of mutations it exhibits, which is unusual for circulating variants. However, with only six reported sequences in four countries so far, it is probable that this variant could be undetected in other regions.
While the implications of BA.2.86’s mutations on disease severity remain uncertain, experts suggest that the variant’s rapid spread is possible based on the geographical pattern of identified cases. Nonetheless, Dr. Stuart Ray from Johns Hopkins’ Department of Medicine notes that it is unclear whether the variant will significantly impact the number of severe cases or prevention strategies.
Regarding the effectiveness of new XBB.1.5 COVID vaccines, slated for release in the U.S. in September, against BA.2.86, it is unknown how well they will perform. However, experts highlight that immunity is not solely dependent on antibodies, and existing immunity in the population provides an advantage compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.