There are a number of studies underway and the TAG-VE will continue to evaluate this variant. Using this approach, this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage. Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene dropout or S gene target failure) and this test can therefore be used as marker for this variant, pending sequencing confirmation. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs. This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021.
The TAG-VE was convened on 26 November 2021 to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529. The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) is an independent group of experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses if specific mutations and combinations of mutations alter the behaviour of the virus.
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