According to the latest update of the Indian Sars-Cov-2 genomics consortium, a new Covid-19 version known as XFG in 163 cases across India has been revealed.

A network of 54 laboratories across India tracks how the virus that causes the Kovid -19, it is changing, plays an important role in marking the inkag emerging variants so that the public health system can respond effectively.

It comes at a time when active Covid-19 cases in the country are moving upwards, with more than 6,000 active cases currently reported by the Union Health Ministry.

But what is the XFG version really, and should we be worried? Here we know till now.

What is XFG version?

The XFG Sars-Cov-2 virus has a reconitive sub-suborient, which means that it is formed by a mixture of two first variants, which was first found in Canada.

In this case, LF.7 and Lp.8.1.2 have combined to make XFG. When a person is simultaneously infected with two separate strains of the virus, the recreational variants emerge, and the virus “mix and match” its genetic content.

The XFG is classified under the large Omikron family of the Covid-19 variants, which is globally prominent since the end of 2021.

Where is XFG found in India?

According to INSACOG’s latest data: Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of XFG Affairs (89), followed by Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (six each).

Most of these cases (159) were detected in May 2024, while two each were reported in April and June.

Does Xfg make different from the previous variant?

Indian scientists are closely looking at Xfg due to some mutation in their spike protein, the part of the virus that helps to add and enter human cells.

These include a change called HIS445ARG, ASN487ASP, GLN493Glu, and Thr572ile, according to a report by the Lancet.

These mutations can affect how easily the virus enters human cells, how well it develops immune system, and how fast it spreads from person to person.

While some changes reduce the ability of a latching virus on human cells (whether experts have reduced ACE2 receptor binding), others help it to avoid immune reactions, which means that it can avoid the body’s natural defense or vaccine.

This combination means that while XFG may not be infectious as the first strains, its immune theft ability makes the body difficult to fight once infected, especially in people with weaker immune or un -bye vaccines.

Should we be worried?

At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that XFG is getting more serious illness or hospitalization.

However, by developing immunity, its ability to spread quietly, it can make it a challenge if it becomes widespread.

According to the Lancet Report, XFG and other related emerging variants such as NB.1.8.1, LF.7.9, and XFH show development benefits, which means they may be better in spreading compared to previous strains.

These variants can potentially run the next wave of infections if not closely monitored.

Current Kovid -19 photo in India

India’s active Covid-19 Caseload is in 6,491 cases till 9 June, in which 769 cases have been reported in only 48 hours.

The worst hit state is Kerala, with about 1,957 active cases and seven new infections in the last 24 hours.

While this number is not worrying compared to the previous waves, they act as a reminder that the virus is still developing and the public should remain alert.

What can you do?

• Do not ignore symptoms like flu: Test if you are unhealthy.
• Continue masting in crowds or attached places, especially in areas with increasing cases.
• If available, be updated with vaccination including booster dose.
• Avoid self-medication and follow guidance from health professionals.
• Monitor the official update from INSACOG and Ministry of Health.

The detection of the XFG variant shows how genomic monitoring acts as a sentinel to track the syllabus of the epidemic.