has detected the presence of the XBB, BQ.1, and DJ.1 lineages in respiratory samples taken over recent weeks, thanks to exhaustive monitoring of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants in every Peruvian region since 2021.
The institution's genomic surveillance team is the one that has identified the circulation of descendant lineages of the
Omicron Variant of Concern.
BQ.1
They are the sub-lineages BQ.1 (colloquially called "Typhoon"), BQ.1.1 (known as "Cerberus") and their descendants, the sub-lines of BA.5 with additional mutations.
They have been detected in 65 countries, according to the
World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, they make up the majority of samples in the United States.
It is possible that their mutations confer an advantage, having greater immune escape, but there is no data to suggest greater severity.
According to the
WHO, that should not have a major impact on the protection provided by vaccines in the face of severe disease.
XBB
The presence of the recombinant lineage XBB (colloquially "Gryphon") and its descendants, which are the product of recombination of two Omicron sub-lineages: BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75, were also detected.
This group has gained epidemiological importance worldwide because they have caused a significant increase in cases in Southeast Asia (mainly in Singapore, Bangladesh, and India) and a higher reinfection rate.
These lineages have been identified in at least 42 countries —including Chile and Argentina.
However, there has been no increase in deaths or hospitalizations.
On the other hand, it has been observed that the sera from previously-infected patients fail to neutralize these lineages, which implies a great immune evasion capacity of XBB.
DJ.1
Recently, the international system of lineages PANGO has recognized a new lineage descendant of Omicron, which it has named DJ.1, whose majority of samples have been detected in the city of Iquitos, Peru, as well as circulating in Colombia, Chile, and the U.S.
This lineage descends from BA.5.1.25, which represents a significant percentage of the samples sequenced by the INS since the end of September 2022.
There is still no evidence that this lineage produces greater immune escape, although no association with an increase in severe cases has been proven.
There is no further evidence that these sublineages pose a higher risk of severity compared to the previous descendants of Omicron. The
WHO recommends monitoring them closely.
How to face new lineages
Given the appearance of new lineages descended from Omicron, we must prevent the COVID-19 transmission chain from going on, first of all.
Then, citizens must complete the vaccination scheme and encourage basic preventive measures, such as keeping rooms ventilated and wearing facemasks in case of showing respiratory symptoms.
The INS will continue with the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and reporting its results weekly.