New Covid variant detected at Texas A&M lab shows signs of antibody resistance

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New Covid variant detected at Texas A&M lab shows signs of antibody resistance and more severe illness in young people

• Scientists at Texas A&M University Global Health Research Complex say they’ve detected a new Covid-19 variant that shows signs of antibody resistance.
  
• The variant is named BV-1 for its Brazos Valley origin.
  
• Scientists say it is related to the U.K. strain and shows signs of resistance to antibody neutralization.
  

Scientists at Texas A&M University’s Global Health Research Complex say they’ve detected a new Covid-19 variant that shows signs of a more contagious strain that causes more severe illness and appears to be resistant to antibodies.

The new variant, BV-1, named after its Brazos Valley origin, was found during Texas A&M’s routine coronavirus screening via saliva sample in a young student who had mild cold-like symptoms. The student tested positive for Covid on March 5 and tested positive again on March 25, showing that the new strain may cause a longer infection in younger people. The student’s symptoms resolved by April 2 and a third test on April 9 came back negative.

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