Brazil detects infection with two coronavirus variants at once

A study conducted with patients in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul found that a person may be simultaneously infected with two different variants of the novel coronavirus. The research was carried out by the National Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LNCC) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, by Feevale University and by Rede Vírus.

The detection was possible when experts analyzed samples from 92 patients in Rio Grande do Sul. At least two people experienced the so-called co-infection—the simultaneous infection of two different lineages of the novel coronavirus. According to researchers, co-infection with the variant E484K had not been described thus far.

Co-infection is alarming, the scientists said, because it combines genomes of different lineages, allowing further combinations resulting in evolution for the virus. Nonetheless, the two patients showed only light to moderate symptoms and are recovering with no need for hospitalization.

Also detected was the circulation of five different lineages of the virus in the state, among them a new one, initially dubbed VUI-NP13L. At this moment, researchers are studying this new lineage, which includes viral isolation and an investigation on neutralization or antibodies present in recovered and infected patients.

The study raises concerns due to the possibility of spread of this lineage to other states as well as neighboring countries, a note issued by LNCC reads.