SARS-CoV-2 Theta variant

Theta variant, also known as lineage P.3,[a] is one of the variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The variant was first identified in the Philippines on February 18, 2021, when two mutations of concern were detected in Central Visayas.[1] It was detected in Japan on March 12, 2021, when a traveler from the Philippines arrived at Narita International Airport in Tokyo.[2]

It is distinct from those first discovered in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil, and is thought to pose a similar threat. The variant is more resistant to neutralizing antibodies, including those gained through vaccination, like how the South African and Brazilian variants appear to be.[3]

Under the simplified naming scheme proposed by the World Health Organization, P.3 has been labeled Theta variant, and was considered a variant of interest (VOI), but not a variant of concern.[4]

As of July 2021, Theta is no longer considered as a variant of interest by the WHO.[4]


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  1. ^ News, CNN Philippines (February 18, 2021). "DOH confirms new COVID-19 mutations in Central Visayas". Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  2. ^ News, Kyodo (March 12, 2021). "New coronavirus variant found in traveler from Philippines: Japan". Retrieved May 2, 2021. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ News, Japan Times (March 12, 2021). "Japanese authorities discover a new coronavirus variant in traveler from Philippines". Archived from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ a b "Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants". who.int. World Health Organization.