What are the new strains of coronavirus - and what do they differ

Arab Weather - New strains of viruses appear when a natural transformation or mutation occurs in the genetic material of the virus, when the virus enters the host's body, and begins to multiply inside the host cell, and we will know here about the new strains that were discovered from the Corona virus, from where did they originate? And what is different from the previous strain of the virus?

Knowing that it is also possible that there are more strains that we do not know about yet, but scientists are currently working hard to discover and characterize new strains of the COVID-19 virus.

The so far known new strains of the emerging corona virus

1. Breed from the United Kingdom ( B.1.1.7 ):

This strain was first identified in the UK in the fall of 2020 and has since moved very quickly to become the dominant strain in the UK.

This strain has been discovered in at least 80 countries around the world, including the United States, and public health officials believe that ( B.1.1.7 ) may become the main strain of coronavirus in the United States.

What is this strain different?

1. Able to bind better to the host cell : The mutated virus ( B.1.1.7 ) contains many mutations that affect the spike protein on the surface of the virus, which the virus uses to bind to the host cell and enter it into the host's body.

2 . This variable is transmitted more quickly between individuals : Public health officials in the United Kingdom have noted that this strain is 50% more contagious than the original Corona virus, and this increases the amount of viruses (viral load) in the person's body and facilitates its transmission to other individuals.

3 . Risk of death may increase: A report from scientists in the United Kingdom also indicates that people who develop B.1.1.7 are likely to have an increased risk of death, however, more research is needed to investigate this finding.

2. Breed in South Africa ( B. 1.351 ):

The (B.1.351 ) strain was first detected in South Africa in early October 2020, and has since been found in at least 41 other countries, including the United States.

What is this strain different?

This strain contains some of the prickly protein mutations found in strain B.1.1.7 which first appeared in the UK, and also contains some other mutations.

1. Able to evade the immune system: There is currently no evidence that B.1.351 virus causes more serious disease than previous types of Coronavirus, but the mutations that appeared in it are believed to have an effect on the immune system and antibodies.

A study conducted in 2021, which is currently under publication, found that this strain has the ability to evade the antibodies that have been formed in individuals who have previously been infected with COVID-19 .

Antibodies are important immune proteins that can eliminate foreign invading bodies such as viruses, and they are produced by the immune system in response to a natural infection or a vaccine.

2. It can infect people who have previously been infected with the Coronavirus: Because B.1.351 is able to evade antibodies, people who were previously infected with the emerging corona virus can become infected with this new strain, despite the immunity they acquired from the emerging corona virus. .

3 . Current vaccines are less effective with it: It is possible that the current vaccines are less effective with this strain due to their ability to evade the antibodies that are naturally produced or present in the vaccine.

4 . Its spread is rapid: This strain can be transmitted and spread faster.

3. The subspecies of Brazil ( P.1 ):

P.1 was first detected in early January 2021 in travelers from Brazil, who were tested upon entering Japan, and was first detected in the United States in late January 2021.

What is this strain different?

This strain contains unique mutations, and these include some of the major protein mutations found in both the British and South African strains, in addition to many other mutations.

1. More transmissible: As with the other two strains, P.1 may be more transmissible.

2. Its resistance to antibodies and vaccines: Because the P.1 strain shares some mutations with B.1.351 , it can have effects on antibody resistance from the immune system and the effectiveness of the vaccine.

We ask God Almighty to take this epidemic away from us, and to protect you all from any disease or pain.