New Variant Of Coronavirus 71% More Transmittable

The coronavirus's new variant is believed to be 71% more transmittable than the other variants, said the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). CCMB has underlined the importance of launching extensive genome surveillance of the virus to assess the extent of the new virus's spread.

"We should also keep an eye on other variants that might emerge independently, as India houses the second largest population infected with this virus, at present," CCMB Director, Dr Rakesh Mishra said.

CSIR-CCMB is one of the ten research institutes in India that is tracing the new variant in India. The new variant B.1.1.7, first reported in the UK, makes up for 60% of all coronavirus infections. Many countries, including India, have temporarily halted flights from the UK. By tracing and testing 33,000 passengers who have flown into India from the UK, India has confirmed the new variant in the country. "We have needed to expedite the viral genome sequencing efforts, and check for the presence of the new variant in India. We have used both, the traditional Sanger sequencing method as well as the modern Next-Gen Sequencing tools," said Dr Divya Tej Sowpati, who leads the coronavirus genome sequencing efforts at CCMB. The new variant shows 17 mutations in its genetic material. Of these, eight mutations affect its spike protein, which expresses on its outer surface, and binds to the ACE receptors in the host cells. One of the mutations enhances the binding between the coronavirus and the receptors, thus, facilitating its entry into the host cells.

The mutations have, however, not worsened the COVID-19 and not an impediment to the vaccine development. The only problem is that the new COVID-19 variant spreads more easily than the others.

"The measures to avoid infection still remain the same. Using masks when in presence of others, avoiding crowded places, maintaining physical distancing are the most effective and feasible ways for avoiding this virus, including the new variant," Dr Mishra said.

Source-Medindia