What is known about the theory of a scientist who claims that omicron could mutate from a patient with HIV – Prensa Libre

The opinion of some experts that the omicron variant of the coronavirus could come from a patient with HIV grabs scientific attention.

The new variant, which emerged after delta, has raised the question on the effectiveness of booster vaccines against new mutations.

Adam Lauring, from the University of Michigan, USA, believes that a low immune system would have led to the emergence of the omicron variant, first detected in South Africa.

Carlos del Río, from Emory University, speaks in the same vein, who during a forum together with Lauring explained that one of the theories is that, indeed, the variant originated in a person with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

They explained that it likely came from a severely immunocompromised person. who was infected with covid-19 at the same time for a long period of time.

“By not being able to eliminate the virus, it continually multiplies and mutates in that environment; that could have led to this variant ”, explains Del Río, quoted by The universal.

One of the concerns of the experts of this variant is the number of mutations it can achieve, up to 35, in the protein used to enter human cells.

However, the same experts clarify that for this statement many more studies will have to be carried out; while, They ask not to stigmatize people with HIV.