Fast Spreading Omicron BA.2 Sub-variant (Stealth Omicron) can Escape RT-PCR Test

Abstract

A new substrain of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has been detected in over 40 countries, and it can escape from the RT-PCR test, according to the reports of United Kingdom. The BA.2 sub-strain is also known as the Stealth Omicron. It has sparked fears of a larger wave across Europe. According to the World Health Organization, this Omicron variant has three sub-strains: BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3. While the BA.1 sub-strain is dominant among Omicron infections reported worldwide, the BA.2 sub-strain is rapidly spreading. Denmark also reported that, the BA.2 sub-strain accounts for nearly half of the country's active covid cases. However, experts are now questioning whether the substrain is as stealthy as it first appeared. According to experts, the BA.2 strain does appear on PCR tests, but not always in the same way as Omicron BA.1. Some researchers believe BA.2 is so different from Omicron's original strain that the World Health Organization should classify it as a variant of concern.