French researchers have discovered a new Covid variation, most likely of Cameroonian origin, and have given it the working name ‘IHU.’
According to a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study backed by the French government, the novel B.1.640.2 variant from the lineage has infected 12 persons in the country.
It has 46 mutations and 37 deletions. “For twelve SARS-CoV-positive patients living in the same geographical area of southeastern France, qPCR testing that screen for variant-associated mutations showed an atypical combination,” said Philippe Colson, from IHU Mediterranee Infection, Marseille, France.
