Scientists at Texas A&M University have identified a new variant of the COVID-19 virus.
The school, according to the school, discovered the variant, called BV-1 because of its Brazos Valley origin, in the Global Health Research Complex in the saliva sample of a Texas A&M student.
According to Texas A&M, scientists have found only one case of the variant.
“We do not currently know the full meaning of this variant, but it contains a combination of mutations similar to other internationally notifiable variants,” said Ben Neuman, chief virologist at the Global Health Research Complex. “This variant combines genetic markers separately that are associated with rapid spread, serious diseases and high resistance to neutralizing antibodies.”
The university first detected the BV-1 variant in a sample that tested positive on 5 March. The sample was later retested and confirmed in a federally regulated laboratory.
Officials said the student tested positive again on March 25 before testing negative on April 9.
The university said BV-1 is one of thousands of variants found worldwide and that scientists will continue to search for more cases of the variant.
“Sequence helps to provide an early warning system for new variants,” Neuman said. “Although we may not yet understand the full meaning of BV-1, the variant emphasizes a continuing need for strict surveillance and genomic testing, even among young adults with no symptoms or only mild symptoms.”