The Regional Virology Laboratory at AIIMS Bhopal has successfully sequenced 44 COVID-19 positive samples collected from various districts between the last week of May and the third week of June 2025. These samples were obtained from Bhopal (14 samples), Gwalior (22 samples), Tikamgarh (2 samples), and one sample each from Indore, Khargone, Chhindwara, Lalitpur, Sidhi, and Gaya.
The sequencing results revealed that the XFG variant has emerged as the predominant strain, found in 28 out of the 44 samples (63.6%). The XFG variant, which evolved from the previously circulating LF.7 variant, was first detected in the last week of May. It gradually increased in prevalence during the first and second weeks of June and became the sole variant detected by the third week of June. Additionally, a new sub-variant, XFG.3, which has evolved from the XFG lineage, was detected in 5 of the 28 samples positive for the XFG variant.
The LF.7 variant, which made up 50% of the sequenced samples in late May, showed a steady decline and had completely disappeared by the third week of June. Despite both the XFG and LF.7 variants carrying mutations that allow them to infect even vaccinated individuals, they have thus far resulted in only mild or asymptomatic infections. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified them as either “Variants of Concern†or “Variants Under Monitoring.â€
Notably, the newly reported NB.1 (Nimbus variant), which has been designated as a "Variant Under Monitoring" by the WHO, was not detected in any of the sequenced samples at AIIMS Bhopal.
Speaking about the importance of genomic surveillance, Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, said: “Our Regional Virology Laboratory is committed to ensuring that no emerging viral variant goes undetected. The early identification of variants like XFG and its sub-lineages allows us to better understand the virus’s behavior and take necessary public health measures. Continuous genomic sequencing is not only an academic exercise but a crucial pillar in epidemic preparedness and response. AIIMS Bhopal is proud to lead the state’s efforts in this regard.â€
