The 'Deltacron' Coronavirus Variant May Be a Laboratory Error: What It Represents

Kamil Hafizov, head of the scientific group for the development of new diagnostic methods based on sequencing technologies at Rospotrebnadzor's Center for Epidemiology, has stated that experts lack sufficient data to recognize 'Deltacron' as a new variant of the coronavirus. This was reported by TASS.

On January 7, 25 sequences of the 'Deltacron' variant were included in the international database GISAID, first discovered by Cypriot scientists. Hafizov emphasized that upon more detailed investigation, experts found that some samples may have been contaminated by others. In other words, specialists do not rule out the possibility of a laboratory origin for 'Deltacron'.

“If a number of laboratory work rules are not adhered to, a mixture of variants can be obtained, and if the analysis is conducted by a less experienced specialist, the resulting genomes may show signs of two different variants. Therefore, it is premature to speak about the properties of a new lineage or the efficacy of tests and vaccines,” explained Hafizov, highlighting the need to understand whether 'Deltacron' is a separate lineage or whether it originated in laboratory conditions.

The new coronavirus variant, named 'Deltacron', was identified by a group of scientists led by Professor Leontios Kostrikis of the University of Cyprus in early January 2022. The specialist reported that the new variant had been detected in 25 samples.