Covid 19: Rise Of The Variants , Corona Virus Delta Variant

COVID-19: RISE OF THE VARIANTS

Just as humans and animals evolve and adapt over time, all viruses – including the SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the dreaded COVID-19 also evolve with time. These changes in a virus are known as mutations.

Viruses mutate as they replicate or make copies of themselves. A virus with one ore more new mutations is referred to as a ‘variant’ of the original virus.

The likelihood for a virus to mutate increases when the virus is widely spread in a population causing infections. The more opportunities for the virus to spread, the more it replicates, the more it mutates.

There are currently multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2, however there are four notable variants of public health concern which are:

1.1.7 (Alpha)
1.351 (Beta)
1 (Gamma)
1.617.2 (Delta)

These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases puts a strenuous strain on health care resources, leading to more hospitalizations and potentially more deaths.

So far, research suggest that the current authorized vaccines work on the circulating variants. Further studies are being conducted on these and other variants by scientists worldwide.

Impact Of New Variants

From the WHO, the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently in development or have been approved are expected to provide at least some level of protection against the new virus variants because these vaccines elicit a broad immune response involving a range of antibodies and cells.

Therefore, changes or mutations in the virus should not make vaccines completely ineffective. In the event that any of these vaccines prove to be less effective against one or more variants, it will be possible to change the composition of the vaccines to protect against these variants.

While studies are being conducted on these new variants, it is essential to stop the spread of the virus in order to prevent mutations that may reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines. In addition, manufacturers and programs using vaccines may have to adjust to the evolution of the COVID-19 virus.

Classification

According to the CDC, the new variants have been classified into three which are:

Variant of Interest (VOI) – Being monitored and characterized.
Variant of Concern (VOC) – Being closely monitored and characterized by federal agencies
Variant of High Consequence (VOHC) – Currently there are no SARS-CoV-2 variants that rise to the level of high consequence

Currently below are the new strains under the above classification according to the CDC:

Variant of Interest (VOI)

1.427 (Epsilon)
1.429 (Epsilon)
1.525 (Eta)
1.526 (Lota)
1.617.1 (Kappa)

Variant of Concern (VOC)

1.1.7 (Alpha)
1.351 (Beta)
1 (Gamma)
1.617.2 (Delta)

The Delta Variant

The delta variant of the coronavirus is considered a ‘variant of concern’ by the CDC because it appears to be more easily transmitted from one person to another. As of July 2021, the delta variant is regarded as the most contagious form of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus so far.

Currently in the United States, the delta variant is rapidly becoming the dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus this year. Worldwide, many countries which have opened their borders to international travel are encountering the delta variant of the coronavirus.

Being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can protect you from the delta variant, but breakthrough infections sometimes occur.

While the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are not perfect, they are highly effective against serious coronavirus disease and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

Although vaccines afford very high protection, infection with the delta and other variants remain possible. Fortunately, vaccination, even among those who acquire infections, appears, to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Unvaccinated adults and children should strictly follow mask, distancing and hygiene safety precautions and avoid international travel if possible.

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