According to experts, it is a ‘worrying variant’ that is currently spreading in various parts of Africa.

A new corona variant has emerged in Africa. The variant is currently designated B.1.1.529. As far as we know now, B.1.1.529 has quite a few mutations. And that makes this variant somewhat worrying, according to experts.

Mutations

The new corona variant probably has at least 32 mutations. And with that, this variant is quite different from the original virus discovered in Wuhan. “Many of these mutations appear to affect the binding of neutralizing antibodies,” said Ravi Gupta, a professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Cambridge. “In addition, some are known to increase the ability of viruses to enter cells.”

More about mutations
It is not surprising that the coronavirus is mutating. All viruses change over time. There are also thousands of variants of the coronavirus. Most of these mutations are very small and therefore have almost no influence on the properties of the virus. But sometimes a change does cause a virus to behave differently. This could mean that the mutated virus spreads more easily, for example, or influences the severity of disease. In addition, it can also affect the effectiveness of our vaccines. The WHO and the ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) publish weekly overviews of variants of concern (Variants of Concern – VOC), ‘interesting’ variants (Variants of Interest – VOI) and variants that are monitored (Variants Under Monitoring-VUM ). These variants are carefully monitored and mapped because of their (possibly) risky characteristics and extent of distribution. The WHO currently has B.1.1.529 listed as ‘to be monitored’.

Scientists from around the world are constantly working closely together to identify new variants and assess them as they appear. “B.1.1.529 is the most significant variant we’ve encountered so far,” says Jenny Harries of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is partly due to the fact that this variant seems to be spreading quickly. “There is urgent research underway to learn more about vaccine transmissibility, severity and susceptibility,” Harries continues. “The results of these studies will determine what public health measures will be needed.”

Chronic infection

B.1.1.529 first surfaced in Botswana and is currently spreading rapidly in South Africa’s Gauteng province. The variant has also already been spotted in Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The cumulative mutations of this variant indicate that it originated in a chronic infection in a person with a weakened immune system, possibly an untreated HIV/AIDS patient. UCL Genetics Institute, Francois Balloux.

Travel Restrictions

At the moment, Great Britain no longer allows travelers from countries in which the variant has been found. “We are taking precautions to protect public health and maintain the progress of the rollout of our vaccination programme,” said UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid. “Certainly at this critical time as we enter the winter. We are closely monitoring the situation.” The Netherlands also decided this morning to impose a no-fly zone.

Meanwhile in South Africa

The fact that the new corona mutation has been detected fairly quickly means that South Africa has a good system through which new variants can be quickly identified. The British government, among others, thanks South Africa for this. In South Africa itself there is already a campaign to specifically thwart this variant. For example, people are urged to be vaccinated, wear masks, wash their hands, keep their distance and stay in well-ventilated areas to limit the spread of the mutated virus.

Advice

Scientists will continue to closely monitor the distribution of B.1.1.529 and continue to map the variant. At the same time, non-virologists can also contribute. Because the more hosts the virus finds, the more opportunity it has to mutate. “This is a clear reminder to everyone that this pandemic is not over,” said Harries. “We all have a responsibility to do what we can to limit transmission, reduce the infection rate and prevent the emergence of new variants. This means getting vaccinated as soon as possible and following public health advice. Wear a mask in crowded places where it is difficult to avoid close contact with others and get tested immediately if you have symptoms.”

Although experts are reasonably concerned about the newly emerged corona variant, there is no reason to panic yet. It is still too early to determine to what extent the variant will cause problems, especially because we do not know much about it at the moment. “For the time being, the situation must therefore first be closely monitored and analysed,” emphasizes Balloux.