Why The New Covid Strain “b.1.1.529” Is More Deadly Than Delta

Why the new Covid strain “B.1.1.529” is more deadly than Delta

New Delhi, Nov 26th : .As the world reopens following 18-20 months of Covid-19 lockdowns and pandemics, a new coronavirus variant, called B.1.1.529, has been discovered in South Africa.This strain has caused concern among scientists as they fear it could cause outbreaks in other countries and damage health systems.
In South Africa, more than 100 cases have been reported.The new strain is gradually becoming the dominant one.

 Why The New Covid Strain “b.1.1.529” Is More Deadly Than Delta-TeluguStop.com

These are five facts you need to know about the deadly super Covid variant.It has caused a number countries including the UK, Israel and Italy to restrict travel from South Africa and other countries within the region.

1.South African health officials claim that the ‘B.1.1.529’ variant contains more mutations than scientists anticipated, especially after a third wave of severe mutations that was caused by the Delta variant.Many of these mutations can lead to immune evasion or transmissibility.

2.B.1.1.529 has a high number mutations in the spike protein.This protein plays a critical role in virus entry into human cells.The B.1.1.529 variant contains 50 mutations, with more than 30 of them on the spike protein.This spike protein is the target for most Covid vaccines.

3.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it will take several weeks to assess the new variant’s impact.Scientists believe it is the most mutated variant yet.This means that vaccines which were developed using the original Wuhan strain in China may not be as effective.The WHO called a meeting to discuss B.1.1.529, and decide if it will become a variant of concern.

4.The strain was first identified in South Africa this week.It has since spread to other countries, including Botswana.Israel has identified a case involving a Covid-19 variant that had a large number mutations in a “person who returned from Malawi”.Hong Kong has seen two cases.India has demanded that passengers from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong be subject to rigorous screening.

5.There are still a few theories about the origin of this variant.Francois Balloux (Director of UCL Genetics Institute in London), said that the new strain was likely to have evolved from a chronic infection in an immuno-compromised individual, possibly untreated HIV/AIDS patient.

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Disclaimer : TeluguStop.com Editorial Team not involved in creation of this article & holds no responsibility for its content..This Article is Provided by IANS, Please contact IANS if any issues in Article .


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