(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)
The Indian variant of the coronavirus known as B.1.617, has been detected in Sri Lanka.
This is the first time the Indian variant was found in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of the Allergy, Immunity and Cell Biology Unit at the Sri Jayewardenepura University said that the variant was detected in samples obtained from a Covid patient who had returned from India and was in a quarantine center.
The sample was among several other samples obtained for testing until 30th April.
The original India variant known as B.1.617 was first detected in India in October.
The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in India has risen steeply in recent weeks as a result of the novel SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.617,
According to medical reports B.1.617 was resistant against Bamlanivimab, an antibody used for COVID-19 treatment.
B.1.617 also evaded antibodies induced by infection or vaccination, although with moderate efficiency. (Colombo Gazette)
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