The Indian Sars-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog) has said in its latest bulletin that AY.12, a sub-lineage of the Delta variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, has been seen in many states in the country, according to news agency PTI. This sub-lineage is believed to have caused the recent surge in cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Israel.
“Delta is the major variant of concern in India at this time. AY.12, a reassigned sub-lineage of Delta, is being seen in many states, though the numbers need closer examination,” the bulletin, dated August 23, read. It added that at a molecular level, both Delta and AY.12 appear to be very similar despite the functional impact of changes between the two not being known.