July 16, 2021: Gene-typing of 94 positive randomly selected samples of Covid-19 revealed 65 cases of delta variants, accounting for 69% of the total samples tested, for which various cases of malignant delta variant were reported in Karachi.

Relevant authorities need to take immediate action to prevent a possible spread. It was stated in a statement on Thursday. Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), National Institute of Virology (NIV) at Karachi University conducted a total of 2,062 samples in two days from July 12 to 13 from Sindh Health Department.

A total of 163 positive samples were found out of the total samples, indicating the seriousness of the current prevailing virus situation in the metropolis, the statement said.

This was disclosed by Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Chaudhry, Director, University of Karachi International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) and General Coordinator of Chemistry, while presiding over a meeting at PCMD on Thursday.

He said the geno-typing results at NICV showed 65 delta (Indian) variations, two different South African inventions, 25 unknown variables and two wild variants. Professor Chaudhry speculated that there may be variations or new variations other than the 25 unknown variables delta. “The presence of the SARS-Cov-2 Delta variety in Sindh Province has been confirmed and its local migration is evident from the recently identified cluster,” he said. He said researchers at the National Institute of Virology were constantly monitoring the spread of the disease in the metropolis, which was a matter of real concern.

It is pertinent to mention here that in the previous analysis of gene typing on the samples collected between 25th and 9th July, 15% of the samples were shown to be delta different, he added.The proportion of the delta variant in positive samples is rapidly increasing. He urged the citizens to refrain from violating SOPs. He said there was an urgent need to take concrete steps in the city as the diversity of the Delta was deadly, and it was responsible for the second catastrophic wave in India. It is worth mentioning here that this variant was identified in India in October 2020.

The main features of this variant are an increase in transmissibility, a more serious illness (e.g., an increase in hospitalization or death), a significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies produced during a previous infection or vaccination, and a cure or vaccine and overall decreased effectiveness of vaccine.

He said that a Pakistani nation needs to be more and more vigilant against the spread of Corona virus in the new wave, as this variety has the potential to spread a large part of the population in a short period of time.

Stay tuned to BaaghiTV for latest news and Updates!