According to internationally agreed concepts and currently available information, the C.37 variant —known as the Peruvian variant— is not classified as one of concern, and its epidemiological relevance is still uncertain.
This information was provided by Lely Solari —an infectious disease specialist at the
National Health Institute (INS)— noting that more information is needed to understand the impact of this variant on the epidemic.
Solari emphasized that —according to the
World Health Organization (WHO)— a variant of concern "is associated with an increase in transmission, a change in the epidemiology of COVID-19, an increase in virulence, a change in clinical symptoms, or a decrease in the effectiveness of health measures including diagnosis, vaccines, or treatment, among others."
She explained that the possibility that new variants will continue to emerge exists as long as transmission remains active in the country.
Disproportionate fears
In this context, assuming that the C.37 variant is the cause of the second wave is disproportionate.
Oscar Escalante —a researcher at the INS— explained that the C.37 variant was first detected in November 2020.
He remarked that 53 different lineages (variants) have been detected in Peru, among which the most frequent is B.1 and, in turn, the sub-lineages B.1.1.1 and B.1.1.29, under this.
The presence of the B.1.1.7 (or British) variant was detected in Peru in December by sequencing the whole genome, while the presence of the P.1 (or Brazilian) variant was reported in January. Both are considered to be of concern.
Their presence has been detected in several regions by means of a screening technique (real-time PCR), which has been confirmed by genome sequencing.
(END) NDP/KGR/RRC/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/28/2021