Since the emergence of the Corona virus, the virus has mutated several times, first alpha, then delta and lambda, and now researchers have discovered a new type of corona called Mu. This mutated virus was recently classified as a “variable of interest” by the World Health Organization, and it was first discovered in Colombia in January 2021 In the past seven months, its presence has been reported in about 39 countries around the world, according to a report by the Times of India.
Is the Mu variant more contagious than Delta?
The genetic makeup of the Mu variant differs from the original strain of the virus and this also means that it can easily evade the protection offered by the Corona vaccines being offered around the world. The only reassuring thing is that even after being around since January, this variant does not appear to outperform the Delta variant Prevalent in most parts of the world According to early studies by researchers from Italy, the variable Mu They are susceptible to the antibodies produced by the Pfizer vaccine. However, they do not work as efficiently as they do on the original strain of the virus.
Another early study from the UK suggests that certain mutations may help the Mu variant escape the immune system.
Why does the virus mutate?
A different type of virus occurs when there is a change or mutation in the original genetic makeup of the virus The general nature of the RNA of the virus including the coronavirus evolves and changes its structure over time This may happen due to geographical separation, changes in the structure of the RNA in the case of a virus It’s not new and the same goes for coronavirus All viruses including flu and cold mutate over time that’s why it’s recommended to take a flu shot every year to deal with the newer version of the virus.
Why is Mu’s variable described as interesting?
Viruses are generally categorized under two sections “Variable of Concern” and “Variable of Interest.” A variant has been described Mu It is labeled as a variable of interest, which means it appears to have the potential to do more damage. Mo has the ability to cause more damage, but there is still less evidence to confirm that.
Apart from this new variant that emerged in Colombia, the World Health Organization has classified four other variants – eta, iota, kappa and lambda – as being of interest..
Some preliminary studies indicate that Mu It is a dangerous variable and may even dominate the delta variable in the coming times in such a case it will be promoted as a worrisome variable like Alpha And Beta And Gamma And Delta.
Will there be more new variants of the coronavirus?
Yes, virus mutation is completely normal with its spread to different regions, race and geographic area, RNA continues to mutate, since the emergence of the Corona virus, its variants have been discovered from different parts of the world from time to time some variants are less contagious, they come and go and are not known One of them, while others are more contagious and have the potential to cause greater harm to humans.
Are vaccines effective with these variants?
The vaccine currently being administered was developed according to the genetic makeup of the original strain of the virus. Most of these vaccines target the spike protein of the virus when they try to insert it into cells. Vaccines expose us to the elevated protein of the virus so that our immune system learns to fight after contact with the coronavirus. The vaccine is not effective on them.