New COVID-19 variant, BV-1, identified in Texas A&M lab suggests possible antibody resistance

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KTRK) – Scientists at Texas A&M University Global Health Complex have identified a new variant of the COVID-19 virus that could pose a new public health challenge, according to a statement.

So far, the new variant, “BV-1,” has been found in only one case: a person with mild symptoms, according to Texas A&M scientists.

“We do not know the full significance of this variant at this time, but it has a combination of mutations similar to other internationally notifiable variants of care,” said GHRC chief virologist Ben Neuman. “This variant combines genetic markers that are individually associated with rapid spread, severe disease and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.”

The scientists said they felt the need to share with the public, as other labs have shown neutralizing antibodies to be ineffective in fighting other variants with the same genetic markers as BV-1.

“We have not detected any more cases of this variant,” said Neuman. “We have not grown or tested this virus in any way. This announcement is purely based on the genetic sequence analysis performed in the lab.”

BV-1 is related to the British variant of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

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The “BV” stands for Brazos Valley, where Texas A&M and GHRC are located.

According to a release, GHRC first detected BV-1 in a saliva sample from a Texas A&M student as part of the university’s ongoing COVID-19 testing program. The sample tested positive on March 5. It was retested and confirmed in a federally regulated laboratory at CHI St. Joseph Regional Hospital. The student lives off-campus, but is active in on-campus organizations.

The student later gave a second sample that tested positive on March 25, indicating that the variant may cause a longer-lasting infection. A third sample, taken on April 9, came back negative and showed no evidence of virus.

The student showed mild, cold-like symptoms for the first few weeks. The symptoms did not completely disappear until April 2.

Neuman said the scientists will continue to monitor for more cases of the variant.

“Sequencing helps to provide an early warning system for new variants,” he said. “While we may not yet understand the full significance of BV-1, the variant highlights an ongoing need for rigorous surveillance and genomic testing, including among young adults with no symptoms or only mild symptoms.”

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