Scientists at Texas A&M identify a new variant of the coronavirus called BV-1

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Scientists from Texas A&M University have identified a new variant of the coronavirus.

The variant was discovered by researchers at the school’s Global Health Research Complex. It’s called the BV-1 variant because of its origins in the Brazos Valley, scientists said.

The case was identified in a saliva sample taken from an A&M student off campus on March 5, and the student tested positive again on March 25. Scientists said this may indicate that the BV-1 variant causes a longer infection in adults aged 18-24. than is typical for COVID-19. The student was only suffering from mild cold-like symptoms, and those symptoms were gone by April 2.

Scientists said this variant is of concern because of its genetic makeup.

“We don’t know the full significance of this variant at this time, but it has a combination of mutations that is similar to other internationally notifiable variants of care,” said GHRC Chief Virologist Ben Neuman in a press release from the school. “This variant combines genetic markers that are individually associated with rapid spread, severe disease and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.”

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The A&M student in which the variant was found is the only case of the variant reported to date, scientists said.

“While we may not yet understand the full significance of BV-1, the variant emphasizes an ongoing need for rigorous surveillance and genomic testing, including in young adults with no symptoms or only mild symptoms,” said Neuman.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, five variants of COVID-19 have been identified. This would be the sixth.