Coronavirus infections in India, and the need to understand COVID-19 variants

The number of COVID-19 cases in India is increasing again after a brief slowdown, indicating that the country could be on the brink of the second phase of infection.

Reinfections and the loosening of lockdown restrictions are mentioned, but the emergence of new strains is also mentioned as a possible driving factor for a sharp increase in coronavirus infection in India.

COVID-19 Variants: An Overview:

Viruses are constantly changing due to mutation. As a result, new virus strains are likely to emerge over time. New variants appear and vanish at times, but they also appear and remain at other times. During this pandemic, multiple versions of the virus that causes COVID-19 are evolving and being documented globally.

Scientists are actively researching these variants to learn more about them and see how they transmit more easily. According to current research, antibodies created by vaccination with currently approved vaccines recognize these variants. Scientists are looking into this further, and further research is being conducted.

COVID-19 Types in the world:

COVID-19 has some different versions. Mutations that were found first in the United Kingdom and South Africa are the most well-known. A Brazilian version is also gaining popularity. In India, a fresh double mutant form of the COVID-19 virus has recently been discovered. Each variant evolved independently and shares both rare and common mutation

The covid-19 variant in the United Kingdom:

In September 2020, the United Kingdom discovered a variant named B.1.1.7 with a great number of mutations. In comparison to other versions, this one spreads quickly and easily. According to new evidence, this variant can trigger a slight increase in disease gravity.

Scientists in the United Kingdom announced in January 2021 that this mutant virus could be related to a higher risk of death than other variants. However, further research studies are required to support this conclusion. Since then, the B.1.1.7 virus has been found in some countries around the world. In December end India reported the first 6 cases of this mutant.

The covid-19 variant in South Africa:

In South Africa, a new version known as B.1.351 appeared. This version appeared independently of the B.1.1.7 variant in the United Kingdom. The B.1.351 variant was discovered in early October 2020 and shares certain mutations with B.1.1.7. Unlike other varieties, the South African version spreads rapidly and easily. However, there is currently no proof that B.1.351 raises the risk of death or induces more serious illness. A covid-19 variant of  South African mutation, was first detected in India in mid-February 2021.

The covid-19 variant in Brazil:

In early January 2021, a variant known as P.1 appeared in Brazil. The variant was first discovered in Brazilian travelers who were checked as part of the routine screening process at a Japanese airport. The P.1 version has some additional mutations that can impair the ability of antibodies to recognize it. In comparison to other varieties, the variant seems to spread more easily. In February 2021, this version was discovered for the first time in India.

COVID-19 mutants growing in India:

COVID-19 variants have been discovered in samples obtained from all over India. Among the variants are those that originated in the area and those that were brought in by visitors from other countries.

variants of concern were identified in several positive samples by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics, a coalition of ten National Laboratories founded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Genomic forms of different viruses, on the other hand, are a common phenomenon that can be found in almost every country on the planet.

While VOCs and a new “double mutant” form have been discovered in India, the ministry of health has stated that the numbers are insufficient to guarantee or clarify the rapid rise in reports in some Indian states. The National Center for Disease Control reported that over 10,000 samples yielded a total of 771 variants. There are some of them:

736 samples were found to be infected with viruses from the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage.

The viruses of the South African (B.1.351) family were present in 34 samples.

There was only one sample that tested positive for viruses from the Brazilian (P.1) family.

There was only one sample that tested positive for viruses from the Brazilian (P.1) family.

India’s Latest Double Mutant Variant:

Recently, a new double mutation strain of the COVID-19 virus was discovered in India. That’s in addition to all other UK, South African, and Brazilian versions that are already prevalent in India. A study of Maharashtra samples showed a rise in the number of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutants.

The new virus strain, which has two mutations, is extremely contagious and has the ability to bypass immunity acquired by vaccination or natural infection. The emergence of this new double mutant strain surfaces as a trigger for serious concern as the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak looms large in India.

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics has been sequencing and analyzing COVID-19 viruses, as well as correlating epidemiological patterns with genomic variants.

Final thoughts:

A rise in COVID-19 cases could place additional pressure on healthcare services. As a result, the best defense against the variants is to continue to lower the likelihood of exposure. Keep wearing a mask, stay away from public areas and maintain physical space, wash your hands regularly, and, most importantly, get vaccinated when your turn comes.