Only the world is getting used to the Delta variant, a more contagious and slightly differently symptomatic variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and scientists have already noticed the appearance of its mutation, which was called the Delta Plus variant.
- Another mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has appeared in the world. Scientists called the new variant Delta Plus
- Delta Plus combines two previously known variants – South African and Indian
- Doctors are concerned that this mutation is similar to another coronavirus called MERS-CoV, which causes severe lung disease (MERS)
- Mortality in the case of MERS is as high as 30%, in the case of COVID-19 it is approx. 2%.
- More similar information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page
Scientists and doctors around the world are looking at the Delta variant, warning it against its spread and further waves of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the first data about its new version – Delta Plus, are already appearing. The mutant attacks the lungs with greater force and is even more contagious. Most disturbing is the fact that it appears to have similar characteristics to the MERS-CoV virus.
Delta Plus variant – a new threat?
A new variety called Delta Plus was first identified in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that Delta Plus exhibits the characteristics of the two worst variants to date – Indian and South African. The Beta version (South African mutation) did an excellent job of overcoming human immunity, but was not as contagious. Delta Plus has taken a high rate of infectivity from Delta and hence new, disturbing data. The virus can now spread even more easily. The similarity to MERS-CoV is that the Delta Plus version binds to lung cells more strongly than other coronavirus mutations, multiplies faster and damages them, often leading to death.
– You can see that the Delta variant refines the infectivity, and the next step is the escape of our immunity. This happened in the Delta Plus mutation and therefore it can be said to be more dangerous. This is an additional problem. The Beta variant (South African), which had the ability to bypass immunity, also had a lower infectivity and therefore could be viewed with confidence. It did not cause the rapid development of further outbreaks. However, in the case of Delta Plus, we clearly have a problem, because we have both the acquired trait of increased infectivity, and this thread of immunity escaping, i.e. a cross between the Indian and South African variants, which is a very disturbing trend – said Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski in the Polish Academy of Sciences.
See also: The Delta mutation produces slightly different COVID-19 symptoms. They can be deceptive
What is MERS?
MERS-CoV is a virus belonging to the coronavirus that causes a disease called MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Middle Eastern Respiratory Distress Syndrome, originating from the countries of this region, causes cough, fever and pneumonia. Mortality reaches 30 percent. Between 2002 and 2003, MERS killed 800 people in 20 countries, then an increase in incidence was seen in 2015 in South Korea, but the virus has not spread like the Wuhan coronavirus.
See also: Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – a glossary of terms worth knowing
What do we know about Delta Plus so far?
International data show that infections with the Delta Plus mutant have been confirmed in Great Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Nepal, Portugal, Our Country, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States. There are no officially confirmed data from Poland. So far, specialists are analyzing the available information. Research is ongoing. It is certain that the SARS-CoV-2 virus will mutate. This is due to its structure and characteristics.
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