Contents
The Delta variant of the coronavirus has become the most dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain in the world in less than a year. It was first identified in India in October 2020. In March this year, it triggered another wave of COVID-19 cases, which continues to this day. Why did he make such an expansion? Scientists from the University of Cambridge found the explanation.
- The Delta variant, originally detected in India, has so far appeared in over 150 countries around the world
- In a large part of them, it is responsible for over 95 percent. cases of illness
- It even attacks fully vaccinated people
- What makes it so effective?
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Why is the Delta variant so effective?
What makes the Delta Coronavirus variant so effective at infecting people, even those who are fully vaccinated? Scientists from the University of Cambridge tried to find the answer to this question. They conducted a series of studies and the results were recently published in the journal Nature.
The researchers analyzed, inter alia, Cases of COVID-19 infections that have occurred in health care workers in India recently, as well as blood samples from convalescents infected with different strains of the coronavirus.
Scientists discovered – or more precisely confirmed, because such information was known before – that this is mainly due to Delta’s ability to evade neutralizing antibodies and its ability to attack host cells.
The Delta variant breaks into human cells more effectively
The study shows that the Delta variant is more effective at penetrating cells than the other variants because it is armed with more contiguous (and differently shaped) spike proteins on its surface. SARS-CoV-2 virus particles are coated with spike proteins. In order for the virus to infect one of our cells, the spike protein binds to a protein receptor on the cell surface in our body.
- Where can the fourth wave hit the hardest? The worrying trend [MAPS]
These proteins are then cleaved or broken down, allowing the genetic material of the virus to enter the host cell. More spikes means better access. According to the authors of the research, Delta is able to replicate itself more efficiently than other variants once it has penetrated into cells.
Delta variant less sensitive to antibodies
The Delta variant is also better at escaping an immune response, whether it is due to vaccination or a previous infection. The research team took serum from the blood of many people, both those vaccinated with AstraZeneca or Pfizer, and those previously infected with the coronavirus. The serum of these people contained virus-neutralizing antibodies. The blood samples included multiple variants, including the original strain first identified in Wuhan.
- Where do most COVID-19 infections come from? These charts explain it all
Studies have shown that the Delta variant is 5,7 times less sensitive to sera from previously infected people and eight times less sensitive to sera from vaccinated people compared to the Alpha variant. In other words, the Delta variant requires more antibodies to protect against the virus than other strains. At the same time, more antibodies are needed by the vaccinated person than the person who has already had contact with COVID-19.
It is worth getting vaccinated
The authors of the study emphasize that it is still worth getting vaccinated, because although Delta infections are possible even after vaccination, vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. At the same time, they state that more vaccine research is needed if we are to control the spread of Delta and other variants.
- Anti-vaccines are sent to the doctor. “They wish they had vaccinated”
«Infection of vaccinated healthcare workers with the Delta variant is a serious problem. While they may only experience a mild course of COVID-19 themselves, they risk infecting people who show an inadequate immune response due to underlying medical conditions. These patients may then be at risk of a severe disease »- wrote the co-author of the study, Prof. Anurag Agrawal.
Do you want to test your COVID-19 immunity after vaccination? Have you been infected and want to check your antibody levels? See the COVID-19 immunity test package, which you will perform at Diagnostics network points.
Also read:
- Side effects of the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The European Medicines Agency is updating the list
- “Brain fog” attacks not only after COVID-19. When can it occur? Seven situations
- Anti-vaccines are sent to the doctor. “They wish they had vaccinated”
- Doctors announced the beginning of the fourth wave. “This is one or two on the Beaufort scale for now”
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.