Covid virus: What are the variants of India, Brazil, UK and South Africa?

 

Covid virus: What are the variants of India, Brazil, UK and South Africa?

All eyes are now on mutations in the coronavirus - just as new strains of Covid-19 are spreading rapidly, more and more people are being infected with them, and the ability to block vaccines is even greater than these variants.

Why does the mutation of covid occur?

All viruses undergo mutations to survive and reproduce.

Sometimes it is the virus that causes the damage. However, when major mutations occur in others, the disease becomes more contagious and increases the patient's risk.

When the human body's immune system is weakened by an infection or a vaccine, the virus breaks down that immune system by mutating itself.

To find out how dangerous a virus is, scientists look at the virus's genetic code, its behavior in the laboratory, and its transmission to humans.

What do we know about the different variants?

Thousands of variants of the coronavirus have spread around the world.

But the UK, South Africa and Brazil variants are considered "worrying variants".

The UK or Kent variant (another name for B.1.1.7) was first seen in Britain. This variant has since spread to more than 50 countries. And it's still mutating.

The Brazil variant (P.1) has spread to more than 10 countries. This includes Britain.

As many as 200 cases of India variant (B.1.617) have been registered in Britain till April 28.

However, scientists believe that it has nothing to do with the current wave of Kovid-19 epidemic in India.

Is the new variant more dangerous?

No evidence has yet been found that most of those infected with these variants have much higher levels of illness.

As seen in the case of the original form of corona, the elderly and those with physical problems are also at higher risk in these variants.

But for people who have not been vaccinated, the risk of dying from a more contagious virus is higher.

Some studies have shown that individuals with a UK variant have a 30% higher risk of death. But for all types of corona strains, doctors advise the same: wash hands well, maintain social distance, use face masks and ensure ventilation indoors.

UK, South Africa, Brazil or Indian - all variants have changed their body spike protein. It is a part of the virus through which it can enter the human body cells. .

A mutation known as N501Y has been shown to give the virus special benefits in the case of infection and proliferation in cells.

Some experts believe that the UK / Kent variant is 80% more contagious, although Public Health England says it is 30% -50% contagious.

A significant mutation called E484K has also occurred in the South African and Brazil variants. This allows the virus to escape the hands of the antibody. Experts say such changes have been noticed recently in the UK variant.

The India variant has also undergone some significant mutations which may have disrupted the immune system. That is why scientists are now conducting research on it on an urgent basis.

Will the vaccine work against the new variant?

The vaccines that are now available were developed to treat the original type of corona. However, scientists say that these will work against the new variant, but its effectiveness will be less.

According to a study, for those who have had covid before and have some immunity, the Brazilian variant may be able to block their body's antibodies.

Preliminary laboratory data and patient data on Pfizer's vaccine show that it works against newer variants, but is less effective.

According to Oxford-AstraZeneca data, it is equally effective against the UK / Kent variant. However, it offers less protection against the South African variant.

According to some preliminary results, the modern vaccine is effective against the South African variant. However, its immune response is weak and short-lived.

Does the new variant require a booster vaccine?

The British government has contracted a pharmaceutical company called Kiorvac to develop vaccines for future Corona variants. Five crore dose vaccines have also been ordered in advance.

Depending on how the variants change in the future, the elderly and people with obvious physical problems will need such a booster ticker by the end of this year.

All eyes are now on mutations in the coronavirus - just as new strains of Covid-19 are spreading rapidly, more and more people are being infected, and the ability to block vaccines is even greater than these variants.