Will the tests available in Poland be able to detect a new coronavirus mutation?

The information about the new strain of the coronavirus has been thrilling both the media and citizens of the world for several days. Many Poles wonder if the mutation has already reached our country. And if so – will the diagnostic tests available in our country be able to identify it? We asked this question to an expert.

1. The tests so far will not show whether we are dealing with a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 or not. To find out, more specialized research would be needed – assures prof. Jarosław Drobnik, head epidemiologist at the University Teaching Hospital in Wrocław
2. The new strain seems to infect more easily than others, although there is no conclusive evidence that it is more lethal so far
3. Rather, specialists agree: the proposed vaccines should work on the new variant. However, they advise you to get vaccinated as soon as possible
4. For more up-to-date information on the coronavirus epidemic, visit the Onet homepage.

Viruses mutate, and so does SARS-CoV-2. While this is not a new phenomenon for virology and epidemiology experts, the coronavirus variant spotted in the UK in December has raised concerns.

1. Virologist on new coronavirus mutation: one thing for sure hasn’t been found

Nick Loman, a specialist in microbial genomes at the University of Birmingham, told Science at the time that Kent, in the South East of England, had experienced a surge in infections.

– It looked very strange. Half of the new infections were caused by one particular variant of SARS-CoV-2, Loman reported.

Unfortunately, a new strain of the virus from Great Britain has already spread to Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, and also to Poland.

1. The new strain of coronavirus has been in the US since November? Hundreds of people can have it

Variety SARS-CoV-2 with “spike protein”

The new strain seems to infect more easily than others, although there is no conclusive evidence that it is more lethal so far.

However, many mutations in the coronavirus genome are worrying. Some concern the so-called The “spike protein” which is the “key the virus uses to open the door” to our body’s cells in order to infect.

Scientists are wondering if the “British” variant of SARS-CoV-2 will be able to avoid the attack of antibodies against it, and whether this could result in it “escaping” from the immune system.

More mutations are possible

Rather, specialists agree: the proposed vaccines should work on the new variant. However, they advise you to get vaccinated as urgently as possible.

The longer SARS-CoV-2 circulates with greater intensity, the greater the chance of its further mutations – perhaps much more dangerous.

SARS-CoV-2 is “an enemy with the diameter of a single virion measured in nanometers, but in which dormant powerful adaptive forces. We can ignore them and let them continue to use them, or we can counterattack and vaccinate ourselves, ‘reads the British Medical Journal.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 tests is also equally reliable.

– Those available in Poland are also able to detect a new strain of coronavirus. They will not show whether we are dealing with a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 or not. More specialized research would be needed to find this out. The most important thing is that if the patient is infected, the test will show it – assures prof. Jarosław Drobnik, head epidemiologist at the University Teaching Hospital in Wrocław.

Read also:

1. December in the US with record number of deaths from COVID-19. January is going to be worse
2. Shock after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. What exactly causes an allergy?
3. The Germans want to vaccinate all volunteers before the summer holidays. The interest is considerable