PARIS – French researchers have discovered a novel Covid strain, most likely of Cameroonian origin, which they have named 'IHU' for the time being.

According to a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study backed by the French government, the novel B.1.640.2 variation from the lineage has infected 12 persons in the country.  There are 46 mutations and 37 deletions in it.

"QPCR testing that screens for variant-associated mutations revealed an uncommon combination for twelve SARS-CoV-positive patients living in the same geographical area of southeastern France," said Philippe Colson of IHU Mediterranee Infection in Marseille, France. "Based on these 12 cases, it is too early to speculate on virological, epidemiological, or clinical aspects of this IHU variant," Colson said. The index case (first patient) was a vaccinated adult who had returned to France from a trip to Cameroon in central Africa, according to the study.

He got moderate respiratory symptoms three days after returning. Colson noted that his nasopharyngeal sample, taken in mid-November 2021, "showed an uncommon combination that did not correspond to the pattern of the Delta variant involved in almost all SARS-CoV-2 illnesses at the time," and later to Omicron.

The identical mix of mutations were found in respiratory samples obtained from seven other SARS-CoV-2-positive patients residing in the same geographic area when analysed by QPCR. There were two adults and five youngsters in the group (below 15 years of age).

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