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10 things to know about the new strain that may be more contagious than Delta

November 26, 2021
Bharat Times

The new coronavirus variant was detected in South Africa and Botswana.

New Delhi:
A new coronavirus variant – b.1.1.529 – has been red-flagged by scientists at an alarmingly high number of spike mutations that could make the virus more resistant to vaccines, increase transmittance and cause more severe symptoms can cause.

Here are 10 things to know about the new COVID-19 version:

  1. NS B.1.1.529 Version There are 50 mutations in total, including more than 30 on the spike protein alone. The spike protein is the target of most current COVID-19 vaccines and is what the virus uses to unlock access to our body’s cells. Researchers are still trying to confirm whether this makes it more transmissible or lethal than the earlier variants.

  2. There are also 10 mutations on the receptor binding domain portion of the variant, compared to two for the delta variant. The latter mutated to Delta Plus was characterized by a K417N mutation on the spike protein; It has been linked to immune escape, but it is not clear whether this is among the mutations in B.1.1.1.529.

  3. There is speculation on the origin of the variant, but it may have developed from a single patient. François Balloux, director of the London-based UCL Genetics Institute, has suggested that it may result from a chronic infection of an immune-compromised person, possibly an untreated HIV/AIDS patient.

  4. First identified in South Africa this week, the strain has spread to nearby countries, including Botswana, where fully vaccinated people have become infected. More than 100 cases have thus far been linked in South Africa, with four more in Botswana.

  5. Two cases have been detected in Hong Kong – where travelers from parts of southern Africa (who got the Pfizer jab) were kept in separate rooms. Epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl-Ding said the samples had a “very high” viral load. “The PCR Ct values ​​of 18 and 19 … are very high, given that they were negative on the recent PCR tests,” he said.

  6. Since the patients were in different rooms, there is concern that this type is airborne. “… looks like vaccine theft with this type might be real… and yes, it’s very airborne. Hotel guests were in different rooms in the hallway. Environmental samples included 87 in both rooms.” Found virus in 25 swabs,” Dr Feigl-Ding tweeted.

  7. Israel has said that it has identified a case of a COVID-19 variant with a large number of mutations.in a person who returned from Malawi“, its health ministry quoted AFP news agency as saying, adding that two more people were placed in quarantine.

  8. on Thursday India calls for stricter screening of passengers From South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong. “This version is… serious public health impact In view of the recent easing of visa restrictions and opening up of international travel,” the ministry said.

  9. The UK, Singapore and Israel have halted flights from South Africa, Botswana and four other African countries. Germany and Italy have also banned most travel from South Africanews agency AFP said. South Africa has criticized Britain’s decision as “hurried”.

  10. NS The World Health Organization has called for caution in the early stages To deal with this type; The global health body said more research needs to be done to understand how B.1.1.529 behaves. Dr Maria van Kerkhove, WHO’s COVID-19 technical chief, underscored the importance of ensuring full immunization.

With input from AFP, Bloomberg, Reuters

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