Omicron subvariant BA.2 already represents almost 70% of samples in Brazil

The BA.2 subvariant of the ômicron is already the majority among Covid cases in Brazil, points out a new survey carried out by laboratories. According to data from the ITPS (All for Health Institute) released this Thursday (14), the sub-lineage now represents almost 70% of the samples analyzed.

The study involved 9,412 tests carried out at Dasa and DB Molecular laboratories between April 3 and 9. In this interval, the positivity rate, that is, the number of tests that are positive, went from 4.5% to 6.2% – in total, therefore, 586 diagnoses of Covid-19 were evaluated.

The institute measured cases caused by the subvariant of Sars-CoV-2 with a test called Special PCR, because it detects the S gene, from which it is possible to infer the sub-lineage that caused the infection.

Thus, the ITPS observed that in the period 69.3% of the samples were from BA.2. Before, in a survey also carried out by the entity, the subvariant had already shown a leap in Brazil. From February 29 to March 19, it went from 3.8% to 27.2% among the positive cases analyzed.

In Brazil, there have been cases of the BA.2 lineage of the ômicron variant since February this year.

In addition to ITPS, Fiocruz’s Genomic Network has also warned that BA.2 has shown greater spread in the country. In February, BA.2 was responsible for 1.1% of the genomes sequenced. In March, the proportion rose to 3.4%.

This subvariant proves to be more contagious than the original Omicron strain. Outside the country, it has also been spreading: in the United States, for example, it is already responsible for 85% of cases, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) .