Deltacron: New variant or laboratory error?
Social media was recently lively with news that scientists in Cyprus claimed to have found a new hybrid variant of SARS-CoV-2. Named Deltacron, it appears to be a combination of the Delta and Omicron variants. However, other experts have questioned whether this is truly a new variant, suggesting the finding may be due to contamination during laboratory testing. Medical News Today looks at the arguments on both sides.
Is there a new SARS-CoV-2 variant on the loose? Image credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
On January 7, scientists in Cyprus reported that they had discovered a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. The variant, named Deltacron, is said to be a hybrid of Delta and Omicron.
The scientists are led by Dr. Leondios Kostrikis, a professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Cyprus.
Dr. Kostrikis reported that the variant has a Delta-like genomeTrusted Source with Omicron characteristics. The team stated that Deltacron had been identified in 25 individuals — some hospitalized and some in the community.
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