There has been an alarming development in the coronavirus epidemic, which has infected close to 300 million people worldwide and caused the death of more than 5 million people.
Scientists have detected the most mutated variant of Kovid-19 so far in Botswana, in southern Africa. Officially known by the code B.1.1.529, this variant was called the “Nu variant”.
32 DIFFERENT MUTATIONS HAVE BEEN DETECTED
Experts explained that 32 different mutations were detected in this variant, and announced that this virus may be more resistant to coronavirus vaccines.
“IT CAN BE THE MOST DANGEROUS”
While the scientists commented, “This variant may be the most dangerous among those we have encountered so far,” it was stated that only 10 cases have been detected so far. Explaining that it is found in three different countries, Professor François Balloux, a scientist at the University of London College, said, “This variant probably mutated after it was transmitted to an undiagnosed AIDS patient.”
“THE WORST THING WE EVER ENCOUNTERED”
Stating that the vaccines developed now may be less effective against this variant due to genetic mutation, Dr. “The mutation combination of this variant is terrible,” Tom Peacock told the British Daily Mail. “This variant on paper may be the worst we’ve come across, including the Delta variant,” Peacock said.
DETECTED IN 10 PEOPLE
Explaining that this virus, known as the Nu variant, is currently unstable and this may cause greater difficulty in combating the disease, experts said, “3 variants were detected in Botswana and 6 cases in South Africa. This disease was also detected in a 36-year-old man living in Hong Kong.”
On the other hand, British authorities took action regarding the incident. The British public health organization announced that they are closely following the development in the region.
THERE ARE PIECES OF MANY MUTATIONS
Scientists announced that K417N and E484A mutations in the Beta variant were detected in the Nu variant and that they provide resistance to the vaccine. These mutations also serve to evade antibodies.
Experts also stated that P681H and N679K mutations have also been detected and they are normally seen very rarely together. He stated that these mutations also provide resistance to the vaccine.
Scientists stated that the N501Y mutation in the Nu variant accelerates the transmission. G446S, T478K, Q493K, G496S, Q498R and Y505H mutations were also detected in the Nu variant. But scientists underlined that the effect of these is not yet known.