The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus in collaboration with the University of Cyprus and NIPD, are conducting from 10 November 2021 a prospective molecular epidemiological study to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in the Republic of Cyprus.
Specifically, thorough genetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 genomes isolated from individuals recently infected with coronavirus and presented for laboratory testing at diagnostic centres, hospitals and airports on the island are being carried out at the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Virology of the University of Cyprus, led by Professor-academic Dr. Leontios Kostrikis.
During the current pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19 disease, shows extensive and continuous genetic variation (mutations).
As of December 2021, the dominant variants identified in Cyprus are Delta (B.1.617.2 and AY) and more recently Omicron (B.1.1.529) which is spreading rapidly throughout the island. As of 26 December 2021, 1,377 full genome sequences were obtained and analyzed. As part of this study, 25 Delta variants were recently identified, which display seven characteristic Omicron mutations Specifically, these mutations are located within the gene corresponding to the coronavirus spike protein. These new coronavirus strains were named Deltacron because of the presence of Omicron genetic features within the Delta genome.
The sequences of the 25 Deltacron variants have been submitted to the GISAID (Decade of Innovative Contribution to Global Health) database on 7 January 2022 and the accession numbers are expected to be accessible through this online platform within the next few days (https:/www.gisaid.org/).
Statistical analysis of the findings of the molecular epidemiological analysis revealed that the relative frequency of infection with Deltacron strains is higher among patients hospitalized due to symptoms of Covid-19 disease compared to patients who did not require hospitalization. Specifically, analysis using the test of independence chi[/I]square indicates that the association between Deltacron and having more severe disease symptoms Covid-19 (requiring hospitalization) not only is not random, but is statistically highly significant (p<0.001).
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