New COVID variants

  • The WHO has identified 3 major new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which are more lethal and faster spreaders than the original version. 1. 

UK STRAIN

  • The UK variant (B.1.1.7) – Originated in UK in September 2020 and increased the risk of death. 
  • It is 70% more contagious than the original Wuhan strain. 

SOUTH AFRICA STRAIN

  • The South Africa variant (B.1.351 or 20H/501Y.V2) – First identified in South Africa. 
  • It was reported in the US at the end of January 2021. 
  • It carries a mutation called N501Y, that appears to make it 50% more contagious or easy to spread. 
  • It is less susceptible to antibody action.
  • The South Africa variant is showing unusually large number of mutations, especially in the ‘Spike protein’ of the virus.

BRAZIL VARIANT

  • The Brazil variant (P.1) – Emerged in Manaus, Brazil. 
  • It is known to have 17 unique mutations. 
  • Three of these, mutations are in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein.

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