With over 3 lakh cases being reported every day, India is reeling under a terrible second wave of Covid-19. Just a month back, India had reported just 44,000 odd cases per day. The sudden surge has taken everyone by surprise. Health care infrastructure has been overwhelmed with patients and urgent need for oxygen and supplies. In the midst of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has already undergone several thousand mutations in India and internationally as well. Some variants are more concerning than others. Here are the international variants which have come under the scanner of the international community.
The UK variant B.1.1.7 is dominant in Britain and has spread to more than 50 countries. This strain emerged in the UK with many mutations. This variant has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States (US). In January 2021, scientists from UK reported evidence that suggests the B.1.1.7 variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared with other variants.
SOUTH AFRICA VARIANT
In Brazil, a variant of SARS-CoV-2 which is known as P.1 emerged and was first identified in four travellers from Brazil. This variant has 17 unique mutations. A new study suggests the variant known as P.1 is able to reinfect people who had already tested positive.
Why does the Coronavirus Mutate?
All viruses naturally mutate over time, and Sars-CoV-2 is no exception. Variants of viruses occur when there is a change in the virus’ gene.
Why We Need To Keep An Eye On Mutating Viruses
SARS-CoV-2 strain surveillance helps to build a collection of SARS-CoV-2 specimens and sequences to support public health response. Analysis of the available genetic sequence data can help countries fight COVID-19. Here is why the mutants are dangerous:
- Can spread more quickly in people.
- Can cause either milder or more severe disease in people.
- Ability to evade detection by specific viral diagnostic tests
- Decreased susceptibility to therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies
- Can evade natural or vaccine-induced immunity
(Source: CDC)