New “Double Mutant” Variant of COVID-19 Virus Detected in India
New "Double Mutant" Variant of COVID-19 Virus Detected in India Scientists have told the world that more new variants of the coronavirus are likely to emerge in the future But the questions are: what mutations are they and when will they emerge? Those questions may have been answered recently In India, a "double mutant" variant was detected by experts in collected samples This is a new variant with two mutations present in a single virus, which may be more infectious or less affected by vaccines, according to BBC In the press release by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, scientists detected the double mutant variant after analyzing COVID-19 virus samples in the country Some 10,787 coronavirus-positive samples were analyzed via genome sequencing Of those, 771 samples were identified with variants of concern Out of 771 samples, 736 were positive for the UK variant, 34 for the South Africa variant, and one for the Brazil variant Even though the analysis didn’t note the exact numbers for the new variant, results highlighted an increase in samples positive for E484Q and L452R mutations, which are associated with higher infectivity and immune escape, compared to the data for December 2020 Both mutations were detected in 15% to 20% of samples analyzed and had no match to previously recorded VOCs Thus, results pointed at a new double mutant variant Although the said new variant may have emerged in India, scientists have not found enough numbers to prove that it is related to the surges happening in certain states in the country, at this time "Genomic sequencing and epidemiological studies are continuing to further analyze the situation," the ministry said Should the public be worried? The term used, double mutant variant, does sound terrifying and it can be in reality if people are complacent To clear things up, scientists specified that two mutations are detected in various locations in a single variant of the virus If other experts are asked, a double mutant variant or more complex variant isn’t a surprise because viruses mutate all the time What they are focusing on is determining if a new variant can affect COVID-19 vaccines, can increase the susceptibility of humans or can cause more severe disease The double mutant variant seems to be no better in countering preventive measures, such as wearing face masks and physical distancing As a variant, its behavior is likely the same as other new variants and the original strain No new strain of SARS-CoV-2 has been found yet
COVID virus with double substantial mutations caught by scientists in India.