detected three predominant variants of the coronavirus

Auza clarified that another variant of interest is Lambda (λ), also known as C37 or Andina, which represents 18% of recorded cases and has been identified in Oruro and Potosí.

A third is variant B.1.621, also known as Mu (μ) representing 12% of coronavirus cases, or SARS-CoV-2.

The director of Inlasa, Evelín Fortún, indicated that with the work carried out from April to July 2021 and the results obtained, measures are being taken so that the entity is recognized as a laboratory of the international monitoring network.

“Thanks to the efforts of our Minister (Auza), we are already submitting the request to PAHO to be recognized as a SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance laboratory,” he said.

Between December 2020 and March 2021, Bolivia visited foreign laboratories to detect the variants, but since April, it has had the equipment to carry out the corresponding studies, said INLASA.

The results obtained in Bolivia They have been validated by the “Dr Carlos Malbrán” analysis laboratories in Argentina and the Charité hospital in Germany., which gave scientific support.

“These laboratories validate that the studies which are carried out in Bolivia are completely reliable and therefore we will take the corresponding measures to be considered as a country which already carries out the sequencing”, declared the Minister of Health.