New SARS-CoV-2 BQ.1.1.1 Variant With 40 Spike Mutations and Many Other Worrisome Genetic Changes Detected in Canada!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 26, 2025 3 days, 31 minutes ago
Medical News: A newly discovered and highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant originating from the BQ.1.1.1 has been detected in Canada, raising growing concern among scientists and virologists worldwide. This alarming sub-lineage of the BQ.1 family was flagged on February 24, 2025, after genomic surveillance revealed that it carries more than 40 mutations in its spike protein alone, along with numerous other genetic changes scattered across its genome.
New SARS-CoV-2 BQ.1.1.1 Variant With 40 Spike Mutations and Many Other Worrisome Genetic
Changes Detected in Canada
The variant was identified from a single sample uploaded to the GISAID database under the code EPI_ISL_19795466. While only one sequence has been uploaded so far, experts warn that due to the current global decline in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance and sequencing, it remains unclear whether this is an isolated case or the tip of a much larger hidden outbreak. This
Medical News report will break down what we know so far and what the implications could be.
A Mutation-Heavy Variant That Raises Red Flags
The BQ.1.1.1 variant appears to be a result of saltation - a sudden evolutionary jump with a large accumulation of mutations, especially in critical viral components such as the spike protein. This new sublineage showcases a worrying collection of genetic changes, including 40 unique or homoplastic spike mutations like R21K, G103C, R190S, R452Q, Q493V, G496S, A484E, Q677H, and D1153Y.
Some of these are located in regions known to impact viral infectivity, immune evasion, and antibody binding. The presence of known immune escape mutations such as R452Q and A484E is particularly troubling, as they are associated with reduced effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies and even vaccine-induced immunity.
Outside of the spike protein, the BQ.1.1.1 genome also carries an extensive list of mutations in the ORF1ab, ORF3a, M, N, and ORF7a regions. Mutations like P5562S in ORF1ab, Q76R in ORF7a, and D144Y in the nucleocapsid protein could also influence the virus’s ability to replicate, evade host defenses, or increase its virulence. Altogether, the sheer number and nature of these mutations signal a potential threat that warrants immediate scientific attention and public health monitoring.
Possibly Evolved in an Immunocompromised Host
Experts speculate that this highly mutated variant may have emerged from a prolonged infection in an immunocompromised individual, a scenario that has led to the rise of other heavily mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants in the past. In such individuals, the virus is given an extended opportunity to evolve and accumulate mutations over time. However, due to the limited data and only one sample being sequenced, this theory remains unconfirmed.
Adding to the uncertainty is the worrying decline in global SARS-CoV-2 sequencing efforts. Many countries have dramatically reduced their genomic surveillance programs, and few samples are being uploaded for real-time monitoring. This open
s the possibility that many other undetected cases of BQ.1.1.1 may already be circulating undetected in communities across North America or even in other regions.
What This Could Mean for the Future
The discovery of BQ.1.1.1 underscores the ongoing risk of new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging with potentially significant public health implications. While it’s too early to determine whether this particular strain is more transmissible or deadly, its mutational profile suggests it could pose challenges for current COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapies. Furthermore, its ability to evade immune protection may reignite fresh waves of infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the emergence of the BQ.1.1.1 variant in Canada highlights the continued threat posed by SARS-CoV-2's ability to mutate and evolve. It serves as a reminder that the pandemic is far from over, and a global reduction in sequencing may be giving rise to silent spreaders that evade detection until they cause widespread outbreaks. Authorities and scientific communities must remain vigilant and reinvest in monitoring efforts. The world cannot afford to be caught off guard again by a virus that continues to evolve in unpredictable and concerning ways.
Details of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant can be found here:
https://github.com/sars-cov-2-variants/lineage-proposals/issues/2511
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Medical News.
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