As concerns grow regarding the newly identified Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 and its significant mutations, experts are highlighting the urgent need to escalate Covid-19 testing efforts in India. This call for increased testing is based on the potential implications this subvariant could have on public health.
The BA.2.86 Subvariant: In recent months, daily Covid-19 tests conducted in Maharashtra have experienced a notable decline. Comparing the data from May and June, when the state was averaging 5,000-6,000 tests daily, the current numbers have dropped to 2,000-3,000 tests per day according to data from the state’s public health department.
Dr. Rajesh Kulkarni, a pediatrician at YCM Hospital, emphasized the significance of testing in understanding and managing the spread of the virus. He pointed out that in the initial stages of the pandemic, comprehensive testing and rapid data reporting were pivotal in controlling transmission. However, there has been a decline in both Covid-19 testing and genomic sequencing following the conclusion of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization in May.
Dr. Kulkarni highlighted the likelihood of unreported cases due to decreased testing, stating that mild to moderate cases are going unnoticed. He stressed the importance of ramping up testing efforts as the new Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 has already been identified in other parts of the world.
Dr. Sanjay Pujari, director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases, suggested the use of periodic wastewater surveillance as a means of early identification of circulating variants, including BA.2.86. He also emphasized the need for more data to fully understand the clinical implications of the numerous mutations associated with this subvariant.
Dr. Raj Rajnarayanan, an associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, Arkansas, highlighted the significance of continued genomic sequencing in monitoring virus evolution and detecting new variants early. This information plays a crucial role in shaping public health strategies and vaccine development. Additionally, combining genomic data with clinical information can provide insights into the severity of symptoms and potential long-term complications.
According to a state health department official, the decrease in the number of Covid-19 tests being conducted has led to fewer positive cases available for genome sequencing. This trend is not unique to India and is observed globally.
An expert within India’s genome sequencing network expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive genome surveillance to identify emerging variants.
