The JN.1* strain is more likely to be found around the world.

Bangkok, The Department of Science reveals that the JN.1* strain is likely to be found more around the world. As for Thailand, 40 cases have been found, but not yet the type with two mutations. Dr. Yongyot Thamwut, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, revealed that the Department of Medical Sciences and the laboratory network We have been following the situation of SARS-CoV-2 virus strains in Thailand since the beginning of 2022. Found omicron strains BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5 and other sub-strains in the family. Currently, strains Omicron is the main species. that spread in the country Most recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to focus on monitoring 10 Omicron strains based on data on increased prevalence or rate advantage compared to other strains and mutations in the locus. Those related to having an advantage in causing disease include 5 strains under surveillance or Variants of Interest (VOI), including XBB.1.5* XBB.1.16* EG.5 , BA.2.86 and JN.1*. There are 5 varieti es that need to be watched or Variants under monitoring (VUM), namely DV.7 , XBB , XBB.1.9.1 , XBB.1.9.2 and XBB.2.3* On December 18, 2023, WHO classified strain JN.1* as VOI. Strain JN.1* is a subspecies of BA.2.86* that has a mutation on the spine that is different from BA.2.86, namely L455S (acid The amino acid at position 455 changes from leucine to serine) significantly increases the ability to evade immunity. JN.1* has a growth advantage of 73% over XBB.1.9.2*. During Early in 2024, an additional JN.1* mutation was reported at position F456L (phenylalanine replaced by leucine at position 456), including the two mutations L455S and F456L, known as 'slip mutations', which were the first cases of JN.1* double mutation reported in France. Currently, there are 41 cases found worldwide (https://cov-spectrum.org, information as of January 15, 2024). Dr. Yongyot further said that the overall global situation of strains in the VOI group from the central GISAID database for week 48 (27 October to 3 December 202 3) found EG.5* the most at a proportion of 36.3%, followed by JN. .1* was found at a proportion of 27.1%, with EG.5* having a gradually decreasing encounter rate, while JN.1*, which had a growth advantage and immunity dodging feature, had a continuously increasing encounter rate. Around 28 days, the most common strains in the VUM group were XBB.1.9.1* in a proportion of 3.3% and DV.7* strains with flip mutations, i.e. mutations in two adjacent positions. Including L455F and F456L, they help promote adhesion on the surface of human cells. and evades immunity well. However, DV.7* has a continuously decreasing proportion. To date, there have been no reports of an increase in the severity of the disease. for Thailand Since the beginning of 2023, the hybrid strain XBB.1.16* has been the main strain spreading in Thailand. Until September, it began to trend downward. and found the XBB.1.9.2* strain to replace it. The latest genetic decoding results Pathogens causing COVID-19 in the laboratory From November 2023 to January 15, 2024, cases of the XBB.1.9.2* hybrid strain were found to decrease, while the proportion of JN.1* increased. The JN.1* strain began to be found in Thailand in October 2023 and increased in December 2023, which has the possibility of becoming the main epidemic strain replacing XBB.1.9.2*. From current information, infected people have been found. JN.1* infection in health zones 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13, which has general respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, phlegm, etc., and there have been no reports of deaths from infection. JN.1* Variant: Currently, there are 40 people infected with JN.1* in Thailand, who do not yet have two mutations. 'Department of Medical Sciences and laboratory network Continuously monitor species changes. By collecting samples of COVID-19 positive results from ATK or Real-time RT-PCR tests from all over the country. Decoding the entire genetic genome and published regularly through the GISAID international database. Up-to-date surveillance and tracking of strai ns circulating in the country. Help promote laboratory readiness to deal with future outbreaks by protecting yourself according to public health measures. Can also be used with all breeds. for symptoms and severity It often depends on a person's immune system and overall health. More than the type of strain that causes infection,' Dr. Yongyot said. Source: Thai News Agency