The British variant of the virus mutated again. What does it mean?
Coronavirus What you need to know Coronavirus in Poland Coronavirus in Europe Coronavirus in the world Guide Map Frequently asked questions #Let’s talk about

The British variant of the coronavirus has acquired a new mutation. The new mutation was named E484K and is the same mutation found in the Brazilian and South African variants of SARS-CoV-2. This may reduce the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

  1. The British variant of the coronavirus, also known as B.1.1.7, has gained a new mutation
  2. The mutation was named E484K and is also found in the Brazilian and South African variant of COVID-19
  3. The emergence of a new mutation means that we should still strictly follow the rules of the sanitary regime – says the British virologist
  4. You can find more up-to-date information on the coronavirus on the Onet homepage

The British variant of the virus has a new mutation

The UK variant of the coronavirus, which is currently causing global concern, has mutated again. This time he gained a mutation that was named a E484K. In a report published by Public Health England (PHE), we read that changes were noticed in 11 out of 214. British variant samples.

  1. UK Coronavirus Variant – Five Things You Need to Know

The E484K mutation has previously been spotted in the Brazilian and South African variants of the coronavirus.

The fact that the mutation appeared separately in the British variant is surprising, but to some extent expected, according to the researchers. – Mutation acquisition may be due to recombination with one of the South African or Brazilian variants of viruses that could co-infect the same cell. We observe such a phenomenon in the case of various influenza viruses, but in the case of coronaviruses it is much less common – commented Prof. Julian Tang, clinical virologist at the University of Leicester.

“But it may have arisen as a result of a parallel evolution in the human population as the virus adapts to its new host. Viruses can only evolve through continuous replication, ‘he added.

This is another reason why coronavirus restrictions must be strictly adhered to. Otherwise, the virus may not only spread further, but also evolve, argues Tang.

Mutation and vaccine

Worryingly, the E484K mutation may or may not reduce the effectiveness of the COVOD-19 vaccine. Clinical trials with Novavax showed that it was 85,6% effective. against the British variant, but only about 50-60 percent. against the South African variant (501Y.V2). However, it is not known which mutation influenced this.

  1. How many pets get COVID-19? Can they transmit the virus to humans?

Earlier, Pfizer announced that its vaccine – being developed before the emergence of variant B.1.1.7 – was effective against COVID-19 with the N501Y mutation, found in the British coronavirus. However, there are more and more mutations of the British strain and it is necessary to research other mutations found in this strain, including the newest one – E484K.

Virus mutation – what does it mean?

As experts emphasize, the vast majority of virus mutations are either neutral or harmful to the virus, and therefore do not persist in the virus population for too long.

  1. Virologist on the new coronavirus mutation: this is not surprising

– Viruses have mutated, mutated and will mutate. In most cases, however, this change will be meaningless and will not be noticeable. Only the accumulation of these mutations may – but I emphasize – does not have to give an effect – said virologist Dr. Tomasz Dzieiątkowski in an interview with Medonet.

Read also:

  1. Mutation, variant, strain, variant of the coronavirus. Can these terms be used interchangeably? [WE EXPLAIN]
  2. Nine arguments to convince skeptics to vaccinate
  3. What does the COVID-19 vaccination look like? How should we prepare for them? [WE EXPLAIN]

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.

Leave a Reply