Emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 Saltation Variant with a Distinct Mutation-Spectrum Profile Compared with BA.1 and BA.2.86

<jats:p>Submissions of sequences consistent with SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2, a newly observed saltation variant, have increased in GISAID since November 2025. Saltation events are often prioritized for monitoring due to extensive divergence. Using 12-category nucleotide substitution spectra and principal component analysis, we show that BA.3.2 has a mutation-spectrum profile distinct from BA.1 and BA.2.86, lacking pronounced transversion enrichment while retaining spike-focused substitution enrichment. Unlike BA.1, BA.3.2 shows no clear enrichment of basic residue-introducing substitutions in spike.</jats:p>