Scientists discover deltacron

CYPRUS: A new strain of COVID-19, called 'deltacron,' had been detected in Cyprus. It is a cross between the delta and omicron variants.

In an interview with Sigma TV, Leondios Kostrikis, Professor, biological sciences, University of Cyprus and head of biotechnology and molecular virology laboratory, explained his findings.

He explained that there were already omicron and delta co-infections, and scientists discovered one strain that is a hybrid of the two.

The latest discovery was coined 'deltacron' when omicron-like genetic markers were discovered in delta genomes, according to Kostrikis. 

According to him, perhaps 25 cases of the new strain had been detected, but it is too early to judge how dangerous the deltacron strain may be.