Coordinator of the CSIC Global Health Platform and researcher at the Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC)
The UK Health Security Agency published in its latest report on 25 March the detection of three recombinant forms of omicron, called XE, XD and XF. The WHO mentions them in its 29 March report, noting that the possibility that XE is more transmissible than BA.2 still requires further study.
A new variant of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 has been identified in South Africa, with numerous mutations present in other variants, including Delta. Variant B.1.1.529, as it is now called, appears to be spreading rapidly in South Africa. Attached is the rapid reaction of three Spanish researchers with expertise in genomic surveillance.