New Covid strain may bypass vaccines, says AIIMS director
‘Omicron variant has potential of developing immunoescape mechanisms’
New Delhi, Nov. 28: The new Omicron variant of coronavirus has reportedly got over 30 mutations in the spike protein region, giving it the potential to develop an immunoescape mechanism and thus the efficacy of vaccines against it needs to be evaluated critically, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria has said.
The presence of spike protein facilitates a virus’ entry into the host cell and is responsible for making it transmissible and causing infection.
“The new variant of coronavirus reportedly has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein region and therefore has the potential of developing immunoescape mechanisms. As most vaccines (work by) forming antibodies against the spike protein, so many mutations at the spike protein region may lead to a decreased efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines,” Dr Guleria added.
In such a scenario, the efficacy of vaccines, including those in use in
THE INDIAN SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) is closely tracking the new variant of Covid-19 called B.1.1.529 and its presence has not been detected yet in the country, officials have said
India, needs to be evaluated “critically,” he said.
The future course of action will depend on what further data on its transmissibility, virulence, and immunoescape shows, he said.
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) is closely tracking the new variant of Covid-19 called B.1.1.529 and its presence has not been detected yet in the country, officials have said.
Dr Guleria emphasised the need to be very vigilant and having aggressive surveillance both for international travellers and in the region where there is a sudden increase in the number of cases.
“Also, we must ask everyone to religiously follow Coivd-appropriate behaviour and not let their guards down. Also, it has to be ensured that people get both the doses of vaccine and those who have not yet taken the jab are encouraged to come forward to take it,” he said.
The new, and potentially more contagious variant, was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on November 24. It has since been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Israel among other countries.