Another worrying mutation emerged in the UK
A new mutation with characteristics similar to the South African and Brazilian variants was detected in the UK. It has been stated that the new variant, named B1.1.318, has 16 cases in the country so far. There is concern that the variant with various mutations in the Virgo protein could overcome previous Covid-19 immunity and render vaccines ineffective.
In the statement made by Public Health England (PHE), it was stated that the new variant was first detected by genomic sequencing on February 15 and started to be monitored as of February 24. E484K mutation was detected in the spike protein, which is also found in Brazil and South Africa variants in B1.1.318.
There is concern that the mutation in question would inactivate antibodies from previous infection and reduce the immunity of vaccines.
THE NUMBER OF VARIATS THAT SURVIVE ANXIET IS RISING
PHE said it is not known whether the new mutation could occur in the UK. The organization reported that B1.1.318 was investigated, but there were four more varieties, which it described as “anxiety-inducing variants”.
These include both P1 and P2 resulting from Brazil, South Africa emerged B1351, B117 and constitute more than 70 variants spread to countries including Turkey from the UK.
However, the new mutation does not include the N501Y mutation, which allows the virus to spread faster. Scientists have previously said that the N501Y mutation detected in B117, K South Africa and Brazil variants causes the coronavirus to be unable to attach to cells more easily and therefore makes them more contagious.
STUDIES CONTINUE FOR STRENGTHENING VACCINES
On the other hand, major pharmaceutical companies in the US, Germany, UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Singapore have confirmed that booster vaccines are being studied to overcome mutated coronav irus variants and do not need to undergo major clinical trials.
Major vaccine manufacturers such as Oxford / AstraZeneca, Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna are working on new versions of Covid-19 vaccines to tackle the South African and Brazilian variants.
