Pune: In response to a recent spike in Covid-19 cases across India, the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, has successfully sequenced and isolated four emerging sub-variants of the Omicron strain. These variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and NB.1.8.1—were detected through genome sequencing of samples collected nationwide.
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of NIV, revealed that the sequences have been submitted to both the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) and the international GISAID database, ensuring broader global tracking of the variants.
India witnessed a rise in Covid cases beginning April 2025, which began to decline by June. Initially, the JN.1.16 sub-variant was the main driver behind the surge. However, from May onwards, a recombinant variant labeled XFG, which includes LF.7 and LP.81.2, has taken precedence.
The National Institute of Virology has been monitoring the evolution and spread of these variants through its 73 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VDRLs) across the country.
According to Dr. Kumar, while these sub-variants are driving transmission, they appear to cause less severe illness compared to earlier strains. He emphasized that genome sequencing plays a crucial role in assessing vaccine effectiveness, but any changes to current vaccines will be determined by the clinical impact of these newer variants.