C.1.2.- New Variant
South African Scientists have detected C.1.2 – a new variant of Coronavirus with multiple mutations but are yet to establish whether it is more contagious or able to overcome the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection.
Pathophysiology
It contains many mutations associated in other variants with increased transmissibility and reduced sensitivity to neutralising antibodies,but they occur in a different mix and scientist are not yet sure how they affect the behaviour of the virus. Laboratory tests are underway to establish how well the variant is neutralised by antibodies.
Spread of C.1.2. – New variant
The new variant, known as C.1.2, was first detected in May in the South African provinces of Mpumalanga and Gauteng, where Johannesburg and the capilat, Pretoria, are situated. C.1.2- new variant has now spread to most South African provinces and to seven other countries in Africa, Asia and Oceania.
C.1.2.- new variant has also been located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mauritius, China, England, New Zealand, Portugal and Switzerland.
Warning
This C.1-2. – new variant 1, they warn, could be more transmissible and avoid protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines. The mutations N440K and Y449H, which are associated with immune escape from certain antibodies, have been found in C.1.2.- new variant sequencing. These mutations combine with charges in other parts of the virus likely aid the latter in avoiding antibodies. This is true also for patients who have already developed antibodies for Beta and Delta variants.
The researchers claimed, adding that C-1.2-new variant has more mutations than other variants of Concern (VoC) and variants of interest(VoI) which have been detected globally till now.
Earlier detected variant in South Africa
South Africa was the first country to detect the Beta variant, one of only four labelled ” variant of concern ” by WHO.
Beta variant is believed to spread more easily than the original version of the corona virus that causes COVID-19, and there is evidence vaccines work less well against it, leading some countries to restrict travel to and from South Africa.
Pandemic ‘Far From Over’
One of authors of the research on C.1.2 – new variant, said its emergence tell us ” This pandemic is far from over and that this virus is still exploring ways to potentially get better at infecting us”.
People should not be overly alarmed at this stage and that variants with more mutations were bound to emerge further into the pandemic.
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