The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) said a strain of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) believed to be more infectious than its original version has been detected in the Philippines. 

In a report on August 13, the genome center said it detected the virus strain called D614G in 9 randomly selected COVID-19 positive samples collected in Quezon City in July. 

“We now report the detection of the D614 variant among nine (9) randomly selected COVID-19 positive samples collected in Quezon City in July. In the month of June, both the D614 as well as the G614 have been detected in a small sample of positive cases,” the PGC said.

The D614 genotype is the “wild type” or original strain, while D614G is a mutation earlier reported to have become the dominant strain of the virus in circulation around the world. 

While it confirmed the presence of the D614G strain in the Philippines, the PGC noted that all the samples tested were only from Quezon City and therefore “may not represent the mutational landscape for the whole country.”

What this means

Scientists around the world who are studying the novel coronavirus have spotted thousands of mutations to the virus’s genetic material, though the D614G is the only one that has been singled out as having a “fitness advantage.”

Experts, however, remain split on whether or not the virus mutation is far more infectious than its original counterpart. (READ: Virus mutations unlikely to mean stronger strain – experts)

According to a BBC report, a growing number of virologists believe there is enough data to claim the D614G version of the virus has a “selective advantage” over its earlier version. 

A study earlier conducted by Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States, which first reported on the new virus strain, said it may have a “fitness advantage.” The study looked at lab findings and tests of infected patients, and did a broad statistical analysis of the pandemic as the D614G genotype took over cities, regions, and countries.

However, many scientists also say there is still not enough evidence to conclude the new virus strain was more transmissible in people. Another research likewise reported no evidence of increased transmissibility for D614G. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire echoed this in a briefing on Monday, August 17, saying more scientific evidence was needed to conclude the virus strain was more infectious. 

“The D614G mutation is said to have higher possibility that it is transmissible, a higher level that it can be transmitted to others or infectious. But we still don’t have solid evidence to say that will happen,” she said in Filipino. 

Vergeire stressed that, whether or not future evidence will conclude the virus as more infectious, people should continue observing health standards, like wearing masks and face shields, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing. 

Health officials tout these interventions as effective ways to keep people safe while there is still no cure for COVID-19. – Rappler.com