Varuni Ankolekar, Quartesian
Some days back, Uttar Pradesh had recorded a few Covid positive cases, affected by one of the obscure variants of SARS-CoV-2, named the Kappa variant. The investigations were carried out at King George’s medical college in Lucknow. DNA sequencing results of 109 positive tested samples showed that two tested positive cases were found to be caused due to the Kappa variant, while the rest 107 were caused by the Delta variant.
How does a virus mutate?
While the fatal SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains a challenge and outsmarts science, it has left scientists with more contagious mutant variants, this feature of the virus is believed to be normal. Constant mutations are observed in the viruses such as coronaviruses etc. where RNA is their genetic material.
The genetic material either DNA or RNA is generally covered by a protective coating of proteins. Once a virus enters the body it clasps onto one of the cells and releases DNA or RNA into the cell, multiplies, and infects other cells. Generally, our body’s immune system fights against any foreign particles. However, few dominants get you sick by hijacking the body’s defense system. While copying the genetic material there occurs an error and that is called a mutation.
Different variants of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus:
New variants like Delta, Delta plus, and Kappa have continued to raise red flags. There are two notable substitutions in the genome sequence from the parent Covid 19 strain identified as E484Q and L453R in Kappa variants. Delta variant is likely to be responsible for the second wave. A slight reduction in the efficacy of vaccines and immunity is studied since B.1.617.1 is suspected to be able to counterpoise the immunoglobulins or antibodies produced by our immune system.
Apart from regular indications seen in Kappa variant infected patients similar to COVID-19 variants, research conducted by Griffith University Australia, Dicky Budiman, revealed that Kappa variant infected patients had measles-like symptoms initially. However, these symptoms appear only within 1-2 days after infection.
| WHO label | Pango lineages | Earliest documented samples |
| Alpha | B.1.1.7 | United Kingdom, Sep-2020 |
| Beta | B.1.351 B.1.351.2 B.1.351.3 | South Africa, May-2020 |
| Gamma | P.1 P.1.1 P.1.2 | Brazil, Nov-2020 |
| Delta | B.1.617.2 AY.1 AY.2 | India, Oct-2020 |
| Kappa | B.1.617.1 | India, Oct 2020 |
| Lambda | C.37 | Peru, Dec-2020 |
Are existing vaccines effective against the Kappa variant?
Research is still being conducted on the mutation to take further steps as the dual mutants are seen in Kappa can easily surpass the body’s defense system. ICMR guidelines consider Covaxin and Covishield to be effective against the variant.
The bottom line remains the same, whatever be the variant of the virus (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, lambda, kappa, etc.) we should stay vigilant by maintaining social distancing, sanitizing, and getting vaccinated. While you are at home take care of yourself, not only your physical health but also mental health. Understanding and implementing healthy ways to cope with mental stress will make us, the people we care about, and those around us become more buoyant. These are the preventive measures that could help to protect ourselves and others to fight against all current Covid-19 variants.
Also read: OsMATE: structural analysis and stress response in Rice
Reference:
- Dicky Budiman, Griffith University Australia – https://voi.id/en/news/65833/getting-to-know-the-kappa-variant-of-covid-19-whose-initial-symptoms-are-similar-to-measles
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-kappa-variant/articleshow/84269830.cms
About author:
Varuni Ankolekar is currently a Clinical Data Management professional with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. She is skilled in Clinical Data Management and Healthcare. She is a strong research professional with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) focused in Biotechnology, from The Oxford College of Engineering . Some of her previous publications at BioXone are:
- https://bioxone.in/news/worldnews/recent-insights-on-rearmost-dinosaur-footprints-in-the-uk/
- https://bioxone.in/news/worldnews/cells-internal-gauge-to-monitor-own-size/
- https://bioxone.in/news/drug-development-from-traditional-to-recent-methods/
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