MUTANT CORONAVIRUS

Subject : Science & tech

Context : A new variant Covid-19 strain has been discovered in the United Kingdom last week and could be the reason behind the sharp rise in cases in the country.

Concept :

• Scientists and researchers say the new strain has much higher transmissibility than compared to the earlier variant.

Why do viruses mutate?

• A mutation just means a difference; a letter change in the genome.
• Mutations in viruses are a natural part of evolution.
• The pressure on the virus to evolve is increased by the fact that so many millions of people have now been infected.

Covid-19 mutant strain

• It has been named VUI-202012/01 (the first “Variant Under Investigation” in December 2020) and is defined by a set of 17 changes or mutations. As of Dec 13, a total of 1,108 cases with this new variant had been identified, predominantly in the south and east of England where cases have been rising.
• This new variant is showing some 17 changes in the genome, this is a very large change. Due to this change, the transmissibility of this virus has also changed and is 70% more infectious compared to the earlier variant.
• There is a high possibility that the new strain is still in the UK as it has not been detected in other parts of Europe.