Scientists think a new variant of the SARS coronavirus may have infected the suspected SARS patient in Guangdong Province. This is the result of the latest tests by medical agencies in Guangdong, but it has not been confirmed by the World Health Organisation which will announce its final results next week.

Medical experts in Guangdong said the coronavirus sample, collected from the patient, is a new variation of SARS.   
 
Zhong anshan, academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering said, "In a series of sample tests, we have discovered an S gene in the coronavirus. It presents a gene sequence different from those that have already been discovered. We are sure it is a new variation, not a polluted sample."

Over the past few days, a team of medical experts from the WHO and Chinese Ministry of Health have been working together to achieve the diagnosis. Samples have been sent to other major SARS labs around the world. Two labs in Hong Kong are expected to release their test results early next week.

The suspected SARS patient is recovering and those who have been in contact with him have shown no SARS symptoms. The flu-like virus was declared under control in July last year, after more than 300 people died of the disease on the Chinese mainland.