Covid mutations spread, causes concern

Approximately 241 different mutations have been found in the country whose response to the existing antibodies is negative and is leading to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Viruses escaping from the immune system, avoiding antibodies and the body’s delayed response to medicines are some of the challenges that the authorities are confronted with.

Although there was no travel history of patients from Amravati, Yavatmal and Akola, it is believed that the mutation spread due to utter disregard for safety protocols.

The N440K mutation was found in Yavatmal, which had emerged in Andhra Pradesh in December.

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology recorded the presence of

N440K in its research paper published in Indian Academy of Sciences.

CCMB had also warned that N440K will spread in southern States if safety measures are compromised.

Dr Rakesh Mishra, director of CCMB, says, “It is a variant that needs to be watched. So far it has not acquired any other properties but could become notorious. With safety protocols not followed, viruses have host bodies to thrive and spread. If it acquires new characteristics, then it will become a matter of concern.”

So far the people infected with this mutation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have recovered after showing mild symptoms. There was also a steady decline of cases from January to the second week of February. Hence, the behaviour of the virus in the two states did not lead to much concern. But in Maharashtra, the cases have seen a rise with 5,210 reported on February 22. This difference in behaviour is indicative of a change and it requires more sampling and testing.

The other mutation,

E484K, is the Brazil variant but the behaviour in three regions of Maharashtra where it is found is mild.

A senior epidemiologist in Telangana, on condition of anonymity, says, “Both the variants were present in the southern states but the cases were not like what it was in Maharashtra. Presently, cases are static and there is no major rise in Telangana. But we have to be alert as clusters have been reported in districts like Karimnagar.”

The variants are a concern as their behaviour will indicate whether the vaccine is effective or not.

A senior doctor, on condition of anonymity, says, “There has been 60 per cent efficacy in influenza vaccine due to the different variants that it acquires every season. Is Coronavirus also following the same path? If so, how much efficacy will the present vaccine have?”

Those frontline workers who are vaccinated have to follow safety protocols and also people are urged to not relax or give up on masks, hand-washing and social distancing, say health authorities.

CCMB HAD also warned that N440K will spread in southern States if safety measures are compromised