You may have heard about the new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, found in other parts of the world and which now have been detected in the United States. These variants, particularly one called B.1.351 that was first identified in South Africa, have raised growing concerns about the extent to which their…
The coronavirus variants causing panic around the world may be starting in people with weak immune systems who spend weeks or months battling the virus, scientists have warned.
Doctors in the US revealed a Covid strain living in an immunosuppressed patient for 150 days changed so much that they could find 50 differences in its genetic code.
These changes, which happen randomly as the virus reproduces in order to spread, are what can drive changes in its shape which can affect the way the virus functions.
Fifty per cent of the alterations in the US patient occurred on the virus s spike protein, which it uses to bind to human cells, despite the spike accounting for just two per cent of the virus genetic code.
Why are scientists so worried about the Brazil coronavirus variant? Mutant sweeps through city where 75% of the population SHOULD have been protected by previous infection
Experts say Brazilian city of Manaus should have had herd immunity after 75% caught virus during first wave
Yet it suffered devastating second wave which has led to speculation new P.1 variant can escape immunity
Scientists say this could make the vaccine less effective because they rely on the same types of antibodies
14 January 2021, 10:15 pm EST By
Experts warn that more super-covid variants are coming all around the globe. As Daily Mail reports, the rise of about 230,000 cases in a day is triggering the virus to mutate at a higher rate. It may have higher chances of beating people with weak immune systems such as those with chronic infections.
(Photo : Screenshot: Youtube Video by Scientific Animations) Coronavirus outbreak (covid 19) explained through 3D Medical Animation The uptick in mutations (we are seeing) is expected because there is more circulation of the virus, and more chances for a mutation to occur. , according to Dr Ali Mokdad, an epidemiologist with the University of Washington s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation through his interview with DailyMail.