Spike proteins in variants worrisome
Errors in replication of mRNA viruses are a cause of concern as they attach to human cells and create spike proteins, which if stronger and smarter than the previous ones, can cause concern, according to scientists. With the delta variant B.1.617.2 being highly infectious but less lethal, it led to a large number of cases in the country during the second wave, they said.
This variant has infected one in three people according to the seroprevalence report of Ahmedabad. Keeping this as a basis, scientists state that maximum people have developed antibodies against this variant. But this does not mean that the virus has gone away. Covid appropriate behaviour of masks, social distancing and hand washing must be followed.
Maximum people have to be vaccinated by December in the country to protect it from the development of other variants to protect the population, they opine.
A senior scientist at CCMB, on condition of anonymity, explains, “Origin of variants is when the virus is in the host body for 100 days. This virus in an immune-compromised body and after many 100's of replications is able to develop a variant which strikes. This mutant of the virus will always not be dangerous but if it is lethal, it becomes a major cause of worry.”
Scientists state that genome sequencing must be carried out regularly as different sets of viruses have to be studied for better preparedness.
The delta variant had 16 spike protein mutations and it has been found with alpha (B.1.1.7), delta with beta (B.1.351) and delta with gamma (P.1) strain. These combinations of deltas have already been recorded in India.
These different mutations of the virus during replication means that it is constantly evolving. Dr Kiran M, senior government anaesthetist at the Nizamabad Government Hospital says, “We have to be very careful for the next three months as the virus will look at new methods of evolving. The manner in which it mutates will depend on the opportunity provided by humans. If there is gathering, constant movement and laxity, there will be challenges for all of us.”
The virus thrives on its ability to transmit and with more human bodies available, the chain of transmission becomes easy. For this reason, NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V.K. Paul says, “Constant monitoring of the behaviour of the virus is required as there is no way these variants can be done away with. The most important tool that we have to tackle the virus is to follow Covid appropriate behaviour and address the root cause which is the chain of transmission. If we are able to contain the spread of the disease, we can tackle any new variants.”
A new variant lamda (C.37) has been identified in the world and is presently named by the World Health Organisation as a variant of interest. Emerging variants only mean that the virus is adapting and surviving which if tracked properly, will help to contain the spread.
A NEW variant lamda (C.37) has been identified in the world and is presently named by the World Health Organisation as a variant of interest. Emerging variants only mean that the virus is adapting and surviving.