Coronavirus variant update: As India breathes a sigh of relief with every day caseload coming down beneath one lakh and easing lockdown, the most current news from Pune may possibly bring about some be concerned. In a pre-print analysis paper, which has been uploaded on biorxiv.org, the scholars at the Pune-based National Institute of Virology have confirmed the presence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. Don’t panic and study all you ought to to know about the new Covid variant B.1.1.28.2:
What’s the name of the new variant?
As of now, the level of prevalence has not been determined. It is nevertheless recognized by its scientific name – B.1.1.28.2. After more research are performed and peer-reviewed, the final outcomes will be submitted to the World Health Organization. It is the WHO that will name the variant, in case the need to have arises, based on the existing method of Greek alphabets.
How was corona variant B.1.1.28.2 detected?
The analysis paper says that the scientists performed the genome sequencing of the Covid swab samples collected from the travellers that arrived in India from the United Kingdom and Brazil. The ‘Syrian hamster model’ was used to assess the pathogenicity of the variant isolated from the throat and nasal swab samples.
What are the symptoms of the B.1.1.28.2 Covid variant?
The pre-print paper says that the new Covid variant causes weight loss in these who are infected. Other symptoms incorporate lung lesions, serious viral load in the respiratory tract.
Is the new variant more serious?
Well, as of now, the analysis paper indicates that. The sharp enhance in the ‘disease severity may add to India’s Covid worries. However, the NIV Pune study says that additional analysis is essential to recognize the prospective of this variant. The influence of the vaccines and any escape mechanism of the variant also requirements to be researched.
Should we be worried?
Professor Priya Abraham, director of ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune spoke to FE Online about the news of the new corona variant. When asked about the new variant that the analysis institute has identified and its attributes, she told TheSpuzz Online that “the new variant (B.1.1.28.2 ) is not circulating and therefore it is not a public health issue.” She also stated that she has been attempting to inform everybody concerned also that it is not of any public overall health significance