Shreyas bhat, DY Patil School of biotechnology and bioinformatics
A new and more contagious variant of SARS COVID-19 was announced by the world health organization (WHO). According to some reports, the new lambda variant is associated with community transmission in more than 30 countries, with a substantial rise in cases over time. It is also known as C.37 to scientists .this new variant was first identified in Peru and predominant strain in major South American countries.
This variant is said to be more contagious than the previously identified delta variant that was observed during the second wave in India, it is said to have the highest mortality rate of all the identified SARS COVID-19 variants.
So what makes lambda different?
According to a world health organization report, the new variant has seven new mutations on spike protein whereas the delta variant which was identified in India had only three these mutations in the lambda virus would have a vast implication which includes the possibility of high transmission or highly contagious and also could have resistance against antibodies that have been generated by natural or artificial that is natural is when a person is recovered from SARS COVID-19 infection and artificial is antibodies that are developed from vaccines .according to a recent report from chile the variant is more dangerous than alpha and gamma.
Currently, there is not much data available for this variant and there is a need for further research to understand its full potential and how its mutation is going to help the virus. The world health organization has recognized this variant as a “variant of interest” along with 4 others. The naming of these variants is based on roman numerals which make it easy as there is no need to tag the name of the country where it has been originated.
Should Indians worry about the new lambda variant?
No spread of the lambda virus has been reported in India and as well as its neighboring countries the only country where this strain has been detected in Asia is Israel whereas there as many cases of lambda variant reported in European countries like the united kingdom, France, Germany and the potential strength of this virus is to overcome the immunity barrier that has been generated by the vaccines this is what’s happening in Europe as there has been a subsequent rise in cases for the past of a couple of weeks. Thus India needs to actively look after an increase in no of cases and also be completely ready for the third wave.
Symptoms
- Fever with high temperature, continuous cough, loss, or change in sense of smell or taste.
- Major population with COVID symptoms will have one of these listed symptoms.
- It is advised to get tested regularly to prevent infection from passed on to others, as one in three patients with COVID-19 does not experience symptoms.
- A person with COVID symptoms should self-isolate.
- A person with COVID symptoms should also get a PCR test to verify the presence of COVID-19.
According to many reports, this variant was identified in early august 2020 which indicates that this variant was present for more than a year and has come into the highlight as the no of cases is increasing and also recognized by WHO.
Also read: Surgical masks provide substantial reduction in disease transmission despite edge leaks
References :-
- https://www.india.com/news/world/lambda-variant-of-covid-19-deadlier-than-delta-strain-found-in-over-30-countries-what-we-know-so-far-4793696/
- https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lambda-variant-what-is-the-new-strain-of-covid-19-which-is-deadlier-than-delta-detected-in-the-uk-2899243
- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/sars-cov-2-coronavirus-lambda-variant-world-health-organization-7392320/
Author info:
Shreyas bhat is currently pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology from DY Patil School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. My area of interest includes quantum physics, astronomy, biosciences which do not match with my qualification but science, in general, has a greater pull and always open to explore various branches of science.
- The Corrosion Prediction from the Corrosion Product Performance
- Nitrogen Resilience in Waterlogged Soybean plants
- Cell Senescence in Type II Diabetes: Therapeutic Potential
- Transgene-Free Canker-Resistant Citrus sinensis with Cas12/RNP
- AI Literacy in Early Childhood Education: Challenges and Opportunities
Longer gap between vaccine doses: Effective or not?
Anjali Kumari, IILM College of Engineering and Technology Longer gap (up to 45 weeks) between the Covid-19 vaccines may increase the immune response. According to a new study from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, it has been stated that a gap of up to 45 weeks between the first and second doses […]