The recently identified COVID-19 variant has stealthily spread to two continents, according to a new study. The variant, named B.1.620, according to data from across Europe, hosts a suite of mutations that have been linked to increased transmissibility and the ability to escape the immune response.It is now present in France, Belgium and elsewhere,” the report said.
The researchers also found the new variant in genomic sequences from six people living in the Central African Republic near the Cameroonian border and in seven people in Europe who had recently returned from Cameroon.
These data suggest that B.1.620 probably originated in central Africa and was introduced to Europe multiple times by recent travellers.
The findings also suggest that the variant is circulating widely in central Africa but has been undetected because of limited sequencing.
The study highlights the risk posed by regional inequities in genomic surveillance.
Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise about the new variant, a medical virologist and lecturer at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, said the new B.1.620 lineage has 23 mutations and deletions compared to the reference strain.
“I can confirm that it is a new variant reported in Central Africa. Some parts of Europe have also reported it. This B.1.620 lineage has 23 mutations and deletions compared to the reference strain.
“A study published the phylogenetic analysis of the variant in Africa from a preprint server.
“The variant probably arose in Cameroon and later spread to both the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea,” he said.
On the fear that the new variant is more transmissible, Dr. said this could be due to the mutations.
“As regards the transmissibility, it is likely possible due to the mutations that have occurred
“The B.1.620 lineage has several mutations in the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein, among which some remain of unknown impact. As regards the escape immune response, it is early to talk about that for now,” he said.
The virologist, however, noted that the mutations should not complicate vaccination efforts.
“Not all mutations lead to virulence. I know there is so much to fear about the mutations but this should not complicate the vaccination efforts,” Kolawole said.
The virologist also harped on the need for Nigeria to improve on genetic sequencing for COVID-19.
“This is a crucial area of any disease surveillance. We have to do more genomic surveillance than just testing. This will help reveal the circulating lineages in our community and help us to put the best control measures in place,” he said.
source: Punch
