Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) in collaboration with the National Health Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the 501Y.V2 variant in Botswana using Nanopore whole genome sequencing technology. This technology will be used in genomic surveillance to determine the distribution and prevalence of this variant and other unique lineages in Botswana.
BITRI was tasked by the Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine if the new and more transmissible coronavirus 501Y.V2 variant first described in South African was present in Botswana.
Researchers and officials reported that the prevalence of the variant was higher among young people with no underlying health conditions, and more frequently causes serious illness in such cases than other variants. The South African health department also indicated that the variant may be driving the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, as the variant spreads faster than other earlier variants of the virus.
Scientists noted that the variant is able to attach more easily to human cells because of three mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the spike glycoprotein of the virus.
The new United States of America (USA) Joseph R. Biden Jr. has since imposed travel ban from visitors from South Africa over the new variant. Now the underlying question is “will the USA impose travel ban on Botswana too?”. The other question is “are the escalating cases and deaths in Botswana attributable to the new variant virus?”.
