B. J. Medical College Study on Corona’s ‘XFG’ Variant Published in International Journal

B. J. Medical College researchers have published a landmark study on the ‘XFG’ variant of COVID-19, highlighting its spread, subtypes, clinical impact, and global prevalence, guiding future pandemic preparedness.

Pune, March 9, 2026: Researchers from the Department of Microbiology at B. J. Medical College, Pune, have published a comprehensive study on the ‘XFG’ variant of the coronavirus in the international journal Curious. The variant, which evolved from the Omicron strain, emerged in early 2025 and spread rapidly across India and globally, prompting a detailed investigation into its subtypes, prevalence, and clinical effects.

The study highlights that Maharashtra first reported the XFG variant in January 2025, with a significant rise in cases observed during May and June. Nationwide, 27 subtypes of XFG were identified, with XFG 3 and XFG 4 being the most prevalent. These subtypes were primarily concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. In June 2025, the World Health Organization classified XFG as a ‘variant under monitoring,’ acknowledging its high transmissibility despite its generally mild disease profile.

Dr. Rajesh Karykarte, Head of the Department of Microbiology at B. J. Medical College, emphasized that the study underscores the importance of genomic surveillance, vaccination, and preparedness of health systems to manage the rapid spread of emerging variants. The research is expected to serve as a critical reference for public health authorities and policymakers in planning future pandemic responses.

Globally, the XFG variant showed varying prevalence. Data analysis revealed high numbers in North America, Europe, South America, and Africa, while Asia experienced comparatively lower rates. The team analyzed extensive coronavirus genetic samples from multiple countries to understand the variant’s transmission patterns and evolution.

A clinical study conducted on 179 patients in Maharashtra revealed that most exhibited common COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, body aches, and fatigue. The disease was generally mild: approximately 68.69 percent of patients managed their illness at home, while 31.31 percent required hospitalization, and a subset needed supplemental oxygen. Vaccination coverage was high, exceeding 90 percent, with unvaccinated individuals predominantly in the 0-9 year age group.

Recovery rates were encouraging, with 15.96 percent of patients achieving full recovery, although the mortality rate stood at 4.04 percent. Fatalities were primarily among elderly patients and those with pre-existing serious conditions. Drs. Suvarna Joshi and Jyoti Gurav collaborated on the clinical study, complementing the genomic analysis.

The publication highlights both the scientific and public health significance of monitoring emerging variants. By documenting the global spread, subtype diversity, and clinical outcomes of XFG, the study provides actionable insights into the management of future COVID-19 variants. Researchers stress the continuing need for vaccination, vigilant health system monitoring, and genomic surveillance as key tools to mitigate the impact of rapidly spreading variants.

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