Large-scale synchronized replacement of Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant by the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of SARS-COV-2 in the COVID-19 pandemic

Math Biosci Eng. 2022 Feb 7;19(4):3591-3596. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2022165.

Abstract

In this work, we report a large-scale synchronized replacement pattern of the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant by the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of SARS-COV-2. We argue that this phenomenon is associated with the invasion timing and the transmissibility advantage of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant skipped some countries/regions, e.g. India and neighboring countries/regions, which could have led to a mild first wave before the invasion of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, in term of reported COVID-deaths per capita.

Keywords: Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant; Delta (B.1.617.2) variant; SARS-COV-2; synchronization; variants of concern.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants