Delta Plus variant

  • Scientists around the world and in India are concerned about ‘Delta plus’, an emerging form of the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. 
  • This variant allows the virus to “escape” antibodies in recently approved treatment regimes. 

WHAT IS DELTA PLUS VARIANT?
  • Formally known as AY.1 or B.1.617.2.1, it’s a variant of Delta (B.1.617.2), which was first identified in India.
  • It has an additional mutation called K417N, which has previously been identified in the Beta variant (first found in South Africa) and the Gamma variant (first detected in Brazil).
  • The K417N, along with another mutation called K417T, is a mutation in the spike protein of the novel coronavirus.
  • These variants are characterized as being highly infectious and may reduce the potency of vaccines. 
WHY THE CONCERN?
  • The Delta variant is now regarded as the most prevalent one in India, comprising nearly 31% of the 21,000 community samples processed until late May. 
  • This variant has significant differences compared to the strain that has been used by pharma companies to design vaccines,
  • Tests are needed to check if the existing vaccines continue to be effective against the variants dominant now.
  • Vaccines, while effective, appear to produce fewer antibodies when confronted with variants such as Delta. 
  • The concern is that because the Delta variant has a cavalcade of mutations that have allowed it to dominate in several countries, including India, another form may pose new challenges to the management of the pandemic in India. 



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