Rapid Repeat Infection of SARS-CoV-2 by Two Highly Distinct Delta-Sub-Lineage Viruses

Abstract

An instance of sequential infection of an individual with, firstly, the Delta variant and secondly a Delta-sub-lineage has been identified. The individual was found positive for the AY.26 lineage 22 days after being found positive for the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. The viruses associated with the cases showed dramatic genomic difference, including 31 changes that resulted in deletions or amino acid substitutions. Seven of these differences were observed in the Spike protein. The patient in question was between 30 and 35 years old and had no underlying health conditions. Though singular, this case illustrates the possibility that infection with the Delta variant may not itself be fully protective against a population of SARS-CoV-2 variants that are becoming increasingly diverse.

Note: Funding: This work was completed by funds from the U.S. Treasury through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and was also supported in part by a supplement (NOSI NOTGM-21-031) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM103440 and GM104944) through Nevada IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE).

Declaration of Interests: None to declare.

Patient Informed Consent: All patients provided consent to be included in this research.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, variant, mutation

JEL Classification: I