XBB, BA.2.3.20 subvariants dominate latest Covid-19 sequencing results

OMICRON subvariants XBB and BA.2.3.20 dominated the latest genome sequencing results conducted by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) last week.

Based on the latest results published by the Department of Health (DOH), the Omicron subvariant XBB accounted for 52 cases among those sequenced from December 5 to 9.

The XBB cases were all local ones, particularly from Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Davao Region.

Having the second most cases was the Omicron subvariant BA.2.3.20 with 30.

The BA.2.3.20 cases consist of all local cases, specifically from Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and Bangsamoro.

There were also nine cases of the Omicron subvariant XBC that were traced from Western Visayas, Davao Region and Bangsamoro.

The DOH also reported three cases of the Omicron subvariant BA.5 that came from Davao Region, Soccsksargen and National Capital Region.

One case of the BA.2.75 was also detected in Central Luzon.

A total of 32 cases were also classified by the PGC as under “other Omicron sublineages.

The latest batch of genome sequencing involved 131 samples of Covid-19 patients. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)