XBB.1.16

March 23, 2023

Recently, XBB.1.16 was found to be the variant behind India’s new COVID spike.
Two recombinant lineages of SARS-CoV-2 are currently designated as ‘Variants Under Monitoring’ by the World Health Organization:
1. XBB, a recombinant of Omicron sublineages BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75, and
2. XBF, a recombinant of BA.5.2.3 and BA.2.75.3 Omicron sublineages.
The lineage 1.5, a sublineage of the XBB has functional advantages over currently circulating variants such as increased transmissibility in populations with prior immunity to the virus.
Based on preliminary data, there is no evidence to suggest that infections with the XBB.1.16 lineage differ in clinical severity from those caused by other Omicron lineages.
It however has a higher risk of reinfection compared to other circulating Omicron lineages.