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Researchers Highlight Possible Link with Omicron and HIV
By: Tupaki Desk | 22 Dec 2021 11:19 AM GMT
We are getting to know new and unheard things about the new variant of Coronavirus 'Omicron' as the researchers are conducting various studies to get a clear picture of the characteristics of the variant. Due to the same, we were earlier informed by the researchers that the Omicron variant gets multiplied at a rapid pace than the Delta variant.
As a disturbing fact, a group of researchers, who carried out a primary study on the virus variant found out that the origin of the new variant might have links with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The connection the researchers have found has triggered more fears about the Omicron variant.
Going by the findings of the preliminary study, the researchers said that the Omicron variant has the possibility of infecting patients who have weak immunity due to the HIV condition. Talking about the first infection, the researchers said, the person who was infected with Omicron was an HIV patient.
Talking about how HIV and Omicron have a connection, the researchers said that HIV impacts the immune system and makes it weaker. If such a person gets infected with Omicron then it gets mutated. As a result of the mutations, the virus gets circulated at a rapid pace.
The recent study got momentum as a few infections that were detected in and outside South Africa have a history of HIV. As many as 10 to 15 such cases are reported across the globe. Besides South Africa, the birthplace of Omicron, the United Kingdom also reported similar cases.
Having said that, the researchers who were part of the study said that the available data cannot prove the findings and more data is required. Samples collected from other countries would also be examined by them to get more information on how the newly detected variant behaves.
The Omicron variant was first detected by researchers in South Africa. Later, the variant made its way to various countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, and others. Omicron is accountable for the major share of fresh Coronavirus infections in most of the countries right now. As of now, Omicron is reported in more than 90 nations.
As a disturbing fact, a group of researchers, who carried out a primary study on the virus variant found out that the origin of the new variant might have links with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The connection the researchers have found has triggered more fears about the Omicron variant.
Going by the findings of the preliminary study, the researchers said that the Omicron variant has the possibility of infecting patients who have weak immunity due to the HIV condition. Talking about the first infection, the researchers said, the person who was infected with Omicron was an HIV patient.
Talking about how HIV and Omicron have a connection, the researchers said that HIV impacts the immune system and makes it weaker. If such a person gets infected with Omicron then it gets mutated. As a result of the mutations, the virus gets circulated at a rapid pace.
The recent study got momentum as a few infections that were detected in and outside South Africa have a history of HIV. As many as 10 to 15 such cases are reported across the globe. Besides South Africa, the birthplace of Omicron, the United Kingdom also reported similar cases.
Having said that, the researchers who were part of the study said that the available data cannot prove the findings and more data is required. Samples collected from other countries would also be examined by them to get more information on how the newly detected variant behaves.
The Omicron variant was first detected by researchers in South Africa. Later, the variant made its way to various countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, and others. Omicron is accountable for the major share of fresh Coronavirus infections in most of the countries right now. As of now, Omicron is reported in more than 90 nations.
