What is Omicron variant of Coronavirus?
This new form of corona has spread rapidly but the world is still unaware of its impact. The new form of Covid, found several months later, is also worrying because it is a new lineage of beta, delta and 30 mutations in the spike protein. Spike proteins are the main factor due to which corona vaccines have been made so far.
Life coming back on track after vaccination around the world has been hit again by Omicron variant, a new form of corona spreading rapidly these days. The World Health Organization (WHO) has termed it as a ‘Variant of Concern’. The first spread of this B.1.1.529 form of the virus was seen in South Africa. It is so contagious that new cases in South Africa have more than quadrupled in two weeks.
New cases increased four times in two weeks in South Africa, found in 77 samples in Gauteng
The South African NGS found this new lineage of corona in 77 samples from Gauteng province in mid-November. It found 50 mutations, of which 30 were found in the spike protein alone. Most of the corona vaccines are spike protein based. In such a situation, doubts have increased about the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Emphasis on knowing mutation’s ability to dodge vaccine
Some of its genetic variations are known from other variants and they may affect its spread or may be helpful in evading immunity. Most of its changes are unknown, which remains to be studied. Now scientists are looking into its ability to spread, cause serious illness, and trickle down immunity in people who have been vaccinated.
Such studies are complicated and take several months.
Closer to SARS-CoV-2
The genetic profile of B.1.1529 is significantly different from that of other causative variants. Instead of being related to beta or delta, it appears to represent a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2.
