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The Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is continuing to mutate as a survival mechanism and creating different strains. Alpha, the first detected variant of the original virus that emerged from China, was more contagious than the original virus. Next came Alpha and soon we had the Delta variant. The Delta (B.1.617.2) variant emerged as the dominant variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus and caused the deadly second wave in India. Now, this strain has further mutated and created a new strain called the Delta Plus (AY.1). As of now, this variant has recently been detected in 3 states of India, causing widespread alarm. The Delta and Delta Plus variants have now been declared 'Variants of Concern' by the World Health Organization. Experts fear that the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 may trigger a catastrophic third wave, as it would easily target the more vulnerable segment of the population, who may fall severely ill and may capitulate to death.
The Delta Plus variant has been created by the mutation in the spike protein of the Sars-CoV-2 virus thereby altering its genetic material, which further alters its behaviour. It has been observed that Delta Plus is more contagious because of the following reasons.
The currently approved vaccines trigger a broad immune response in the body, therefore, these vaccines will not be entirely ineffective and will provide some measure of protection. However, it must be borne in mind that the more a virus gets a chance to spread, the more it flourishes and mutates. World over, there is extensive research afoot on vaccines and their efficacy against the variant strains.
The key to controlling the virus lies in strictly following the prescribed social distancing norms to contain the spread of the virus and break the chain of infection. Vaccination for all is imperative and must be accomplished at the earliest, with the strong possibility that new and improved booster doses may be required in the future.
(This article is authored by Dr Angeli Misra, Director, Lifeline Laboratory)