New Delhi

Scientists in South Africa have detected a new Covid-19 variant in small numbers and are working to understand its potential implications.

The variant - called B.1.1.529 - has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body's immune response and make it more transmissible. It’s likely to have evolved during a chronic infection of an immuno-compromised person, possibly in an untreated HIV/AIDS patient, scientists told reporters at a news conference.

South Africa has detected 22 cases of the variant, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases said in a statement.

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