Abstract
A mutation is defined as an alteration in the DNA or RNA sequences of a genome which may consequently confer a new phenotypic and or genotypic advantage both increasing the virulence as well as the survival of a virus or pathogen. At this current point in time there are 4 known major variants of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, namely the English variant (B.1.1.7), the South African variant (B.1.351), Brazilian variants (VOC202101/02 (P.1) and VUI202101/01) and a variant similar to that of the South African variant found in North America (B.1.526), all of which have varying levels of resistance and infectivity. It is evident that the SARS-CoV-2 variants pose an international health risk, the mutations of E484K and N501Y are the two most implicated mutations. E484K being the most concerning as it aids in immune evasion and drastically causes the efficacy of the current vaccines to be reduced by large margins. The most worrisome variant is the South African or B.1.351 which harbors the above mutations. It is of the upmost importance that targeted vaccines are synthesized to ensure that immunized individuals have effective protection against these variants. Until these specific targeted vaccines are synthesized the current vaccines offer little long-term protection, however do confer a level of immunity to stop severe infections. It is thus advised that current vaccination programs should continue in earnest as a degree of protection is conferred.
Highlights
A mutation is defined as an alteration in the DNA or RNA sequences of a genome which may confer a new phenotypic and or genotypic advantage both increasing the virulence as well as the survival of a virus or pathogen
syndrome coronavirus (SARS)-CoV-2 variants: At this current point in time there are 4 known major variants of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, namely the English variant, the South African variant, the Brazilian variant and a variant similar to that of the South African variant found in North America, all of which have varying levels of resistance and infectivity
It is evident that the SARS-CoV-2 variants pose an international health risk, the mutations of E484K and N501Y are the two most implicated mutations
Summary
A mutation is defined as an alteration in the DNA or RNA sequences of a genome which may confer a new phenotypic and or genotypic advantage both increasing the virulence as well as the survival of a virus or pathogen. The E484K mutation is found in the South African variant and confers greater resistance to antibodies, and poses a greater threat. The English strain [B.1.1.7]: The English variant contains a host of mutations but most poignant is the mutation of N501Y which confers a higher transmissibility of the virus, via increasing viral shedding and load.
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