South African researchers keep wary eye on yet another new coronavirus variant

New Covid variant detected in SA

Genetics researchers who have been watching for new coronavirus variants say they've seen a troubling new lineage that carries many of the same hallmarks as other strains, including Alpha, Beta and Gamma.

The variant they are watching, called C.1.2, has popped up across South Africa as well as in seven other countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the researchers report. They're not sure whether its constellation of mutations will make it more dangerous, but it carries changes that have given other variants increased transmissibility and the ability to evade the immune system's response to some degree.


Having more mutations does not necessarily equal more danger -- some mutations can weaken a virus and it's the combination of changes that affects whether a virus becomes more efficient. One extra mutation could cancel out the effects of another.
But the team -- which includes virologist Penny Moore of South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases -- say they are keeping an eye on it.
"We are currently assessing the impact of this variant on antibody neutralization following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa," they wrote in a report posted online as a preprint.

"This variant has been detected throughout the third wave of infections in South Africa from May 2021 onwards and has been detected in seven other countries within Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The identification of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants is commonly associated with new waves of infection."

It's too soon for the variant to be designated a variant of interest or a variant of concern by the World Health Organization, so it does not yet have a Greek alphabet designation. WHO currently names four variants of concern, which are more easily transmitted, affect severity of disease or evade tests, vaccines or treatments: Alpha or B.1.1.7; Beta or B.1.351; Gamma or P.1; and Delta or B.1.617.2. Variants of interest, which have troubling mutations and have caused clusters of illness, include Eta or B.1.525; Iota or B.1.526; Kappa or B.1.617.1 and Lambda or C.37, according to WHO.

Maria van Kerkhove, technical lead on Covid-19 for WHO, noted that very few people diagnosed with coronavirus have been found to be infected with the C.1.2 variant.

"To date there are around 100 sequences of C.1.2 reported globally, the earliest reports from May '21 from South Africa," she said on Twitter.

"At this time, C.1.2 does not appear to be rising in circulation," she added. She said WHO would update people on its website and via news conference if that changes.

Monitoring & assessment of variants is ongoing & critically important to understand the evolution of this virus, in fighting COVID-19 & adapting strategies as needed," she added. So far, the Delta variant is still dominant, Van Kerkhove said.

Some variants, such as Alpha and Delta, have quickly spread to become the dominant variants in much of the world. Others have spread more regionally, including Beta and Gamma. Others have looked troubling but caused only sporadic outbreaks.

Tags : #SouthAfrica #CoronavirusVariant #DeltaVariant #NationalInstituteForCommunicableDiseases

About the Author


Team Medicircle

Related Stories

10 Dec

Rewriting Elderly Care: Rs 5 Lakh Healthcare for India’s Elderly Through Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

In a world where aging often comes with increased vulnerability, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card stands as a ray of hope.

View
13 Nov

AIIMS Darbhanga and More: Can PM Modi’s 12,000 Crore Investment Turn Bihar into India’s Next Growth Engine?

This program is set to empower Bihar’s people, creating a pathway to long-term prosperity and a better quality of life for generations to come.

View
28 Oct

Can PM Modi’s 13,000 Crore Investment Reframe India’s Approach to Health?

PM Modi’s healthcare initiatives are a clear signal of India’s commitment to building a modern, resilient, and inclusive healthcare system.

View
19 Jul

Strengthening Healthcare in India: The Push for Better Coverage with Ayushman Bharat

The journey toward a healthier India is ongoing, and with continued commitment and collaboration, the vision of accessible and quality healthcare for all can become a reality.

View
17 Nov

IIIT-Hyderabad among top 100 institutions for 5G Use Case Lab

PM Modi virtually presented IIIT H 5G Lab Award.

View
28 Sep

Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY: Transforming Healthcare for Millions in India

Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY continues to be a ray of hope, ensuring that millions of Indians receive quality healthcare services and financial protection during medical emergencies.

View
18 Feb

Menopause and Bone Health

Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. Learn more about menopause and how it affects your bones to maintain your bone health.

View
11 Jun

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the biotech startup Expo 2022, praising the sector's rapid growth

The Biotech Startup Expo 2022 will provide a common platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, industry leaders, manufacturers, bio-incubators, regulators and government officials.

View
12 May

Criador Labs developing medical products in India for India - Medicircle

The global product design and development services market size was valued at USD 7.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6% from 2021 to 2028. With the aim to make India self-reliant, Abhishek Reddy Gujjala has come up with the startup, Criador labs, a design, and engineering firm especially focused on medical devices and consumer products. The startup is a true example of making Bharat Atmanirbhar where the whole product is developed in India for India.

View
03 Feb

Govt approved 3,855 applications for PM CARES to support children who have lost parents due to COVID: Smriti Irani

PM Cares fund for children

View

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

The Digital Sleep Thief: How Night-time Screen Addiction is Robbing You of Bed-time RestApril 02, 2025
KKR Launches ‘Knight Bite’ – A Digital Series That Serves Up Food, Fun, and Cricket!April 02, 2025
Crompton rolls out its all new range of Aura, Avancer & Jedi Air Coolers for an effortless summer cooling experienceApril 02, 2025
CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tech City Strengthens Orthopaedics Department with Renowned SurgeonsApril 02, 2025
World Autism Awareness Day: Breaking the Chains of Stigma in IndiaApril 02, 2025
From Scroll to Squint: How Reels Are Reshaping Your VisionApril 02, 2025
Moscow Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Receives License for Radiology Residency ProgramApril 02, 2025
CARE Hospitals Launches AI-Powered Non-Invasive Therapy – An innovative modality introduced in Telangana & Andhra PradeshApril 02, 2025
High-Rise Heart Attacks: Are Skyscrapers Turning Survival into a Race Against Time?April 02, 2025
DCDC’s $150 Crore Expansion: Can Innovative Clinics End India's Kidney Crisis?April 02, 2025
Medanta Rolls Out ‘Colon Tunnel on Wheels’ to Drive Awareness on Colorectal Cancer Prevention & Early DetectionApril 01, 2025
Zigly launches 2 pet hospitals, opens 4 new stores; expects ARR to more than double in 1-2 yearsApril 01, 2025
University of Leeds Announces International Masters Regional Scholarships for 2025April 01, 2025
Avantor Recognized with Two Prestigious Awards at Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2025April 01, 2025
Foundation Stone Laid for Madhav Netralaya Eye Hospital & Research CentreApril 01, 2025
Doomscrolling at Midnight: How Indians Are Sacrificing Sleep for ScreensMarch 31, 2025
Essential Medicines Price Surge: Are Patients Paying the Price?March 31, 2025
Prioritize your health during the holy days of RamzanMarch 31, 2025
Tired of Stomach Cramps? These Simple Foods Can Heal Your GutMarch 31, 2025
Regional growth booming for startups in 2024 - QBO Innovation studyMarch 31, 2025