Researchers have identified a new SARS-CoV-2 variant with a concerningly high number of mutations in the spike protein. The variant, first identified in Botswana in November 2021, is spreading rapidly across South Africa. The variant contains more than 30 mutations to the spike protein. 

Eurofins, through Gold Standard Diagnostics Europe, provides the toolset to rapidly identify the variant B.1.1.529. GSD NovaType Select is a set of RT-PCR assays to specifically detect mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 in around 1 hour, much faster than genome sequencing methods.

On the other hand, QIAGEN has successfully checked its SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests for the genetic mutations of the variant with the scientific name B.1.1.529. The assessment was carried out using the data available in the public databases GISAID and GenBank.

“The best way to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic is to use a combination of comprehensive vaccination programs, rigorous testing using gold standard PCR tests, and aggressive surveillance of new variants”, said Dr Davide Manissero, MD, Chief Medical Officer of QIAGEN NV.