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A mutation of the virus from Great Britain has reached Poland. It was detected in a patient from Lesser Poland. According to the researchers, the British SARS-CoV-2 mutation is more contagious. What else do we know about her?
- On January 21, the first case of infection with the British variant of the coronavirus was discovered in Poland – it was identified in a patient from Lesser Poland
- The British variety is more contagious than the basic variety, but has not been found to be more lethal
- The Pfizer concert, which supplies the vaccine to Poland, announced that its preparation is effective against the N501Y mutation, occurring in the British variant B.1.1.7
- You can find more up-to-date information on the coronavirus on the Onet homepage
The tribe reached Poland coronavirus from Great Britain. The genXone laboratory informed about the discovery. Variant B.1.1.7 was discovered in a patient from the Małopolskie voivodship.
«The latest analysis of sequencing another 100 samples in the genXone laboratory confirmed that this new, more dangerous strain has also reached Poland. It was identified in a sample from a patient from the Małopolskie voivodship »- according to the press release. The news also appeared on Twitter.
The British variant of the coronavirus is transmitted in exactly the same way as the original one, i.e. by droplets. Aerosol drops containing the pathogen may be emitted by infected e.g. when coughing, sneezing, along with saliva.
To avoid contamination, follow the same preventive measures as before – wearing masks, keeping distance, avoiding large crowds and frequent washing of hands.
- Laboratory: we detected the first case of the British coronavirus mutation in Poland. What does this mean for us?
The UK variant of the coronavirus (originally named VUI – 202012/01, now B.1.1.7) was first detected in mid-September 2020, and began spreading rapidly in the UK in December.
The US government agency CDC estimated it to be 50 to 70 percent. more contagious than the original coronavirus. This variant thus infects more people, but has not yet been found to be more lethal than the basic variant.
So far, its presence has been recorded in 60 countries and territories.
The emergence of a new variant immediately raises concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccine in this case. However, as said in an interview with Medonet, virologist Dr. Tomasz Dzieścitkowski, it is unlikely that a single change will seriously reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
– Most of these mutations do not translate into the antigenic structure of this virus, i.e. figuratively speaking: the chocolate changes, but their box, i.e. what our immune system recognizes, remains unchanged. For an ordinary person, this mutation does not really have any significant importance – he explained.
On January 8, Pfizer announced that its vaccine was effective against the coronavirus with the N501Y mutation, occurring in the British variant of the coronavirus.
However, it should be remembered that this is not the only mutation of this strain, a total of 17 different changes were discovered in it. Therefore, testing is necessary for other mutations identified in variant B.1.1.7
- Virologist on the new coronavirus mutation: it’s no wonder [EXPLAINED]
The virus that was detected in Wuhan last year is not the same virus that is currently circulating around the world. In February, the D614G mutation, which still dominates the world, appeared. Another, A222V, spread throughout Europe thanks to tourists who spent their holidays in Spain.
— So far, there have been seven major genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2, and we now have another. But it is not surprising. Viruses have mutated, mutated and will mutate – said Dr. Tomasz Dzieiątkowski in December after the information about the discovery of the British variant.
Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccine? Do you want to share your experiences of taking the vaccine? Write to us: [email protected]
Last year, in addition to the British, new variants also appeared in South Africa and Nigeria, and in January 2012, a variant originating in Brazil was detected in Japan.
Another country is Germany. A few days ago, a new variant was found in 35 of the hospital patients in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a famous ski resort in Bavaria.
- Read more: Another virus variant. This time in Germany
What is the difference between a mutation and a strain?
Mutations are sudden changes in the genetic material of a virus that are random in nature. In RNA viruses, their most common cause of mutations are mistakes in polymerases, enzymes responsible for the multiplication of genetic material.
– Mutation is a term that refers to changes in specific areas of the genetic material of a virus. As a result of the mutation, different virus strains or different variants of the virus are formed. The terms strain and variant can be used interchangeably – said Aleksandra A. Zasada in an interview with Medonet, professor of NIZP-PZH and head of the Department of Serum and Vaccine Research.
– We talk about varieties in higher organisms, it should not be used in the context of viruses – the expert added.
- Mutation, variant, strain, variant of the coronavirus. Can these terms be used interchangeably? [WE EXPLAIN]
In summary, virus strains (variants) are the result of mutations, i.e. changes in the virus genetics. The term “variety” is colloquially used instead of “strain” or “variant”, in the medical sense it should not be used.
Read also:
- How is the coronavirus epidemic going? Forecast for 2021
- Nine arguments to convince skeptics to vaccinate
- The most common side effects of vaccines. How many were recorded in Poland?
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