The UK variant of coronavirus also known as Kent variant that has been spreading around the UK appears to be undergoing some worrying new genetic changes according to scientists. Tests on some samples show a mutation, called E484K, already seen in the South African ones that are of concern.
The UK has already stepped up measures to control the spread of the new variants.
Urgent testing for the South African variant has been started in parts of England and travel restrictions introduced to stop more cases entering from abroad.
Experts working with Public Health England have only found a handful of cases of the UK variant with the E484K mutation – it was seen in 11 out of over 200,000 samples that they tested. Although this change may reduce vaccine effectiveness, the current ones in use should still work, say experts.
Experts say that all viruses mutate as they make new copies of themselves to spread and thrive.
A virus expert at the University of Leicester, described the finding as “a worrying development, though not entirely unexpected”.
It is important to get cases of coronavirus down to prevent opportunities for the virus to mutate further. Otherwise not only can the virus continue to spread, but it can also evolve. Allowing spread could allow a “melting pot” for different emerging variants.
Scientists have already been checking what these new mutations might mean for existing coronavirus vaccines that were designed around earlier versions of the virus that started the pandemic.
Some research appears to show the E484K may help the virus evade parts of the immune system called antibodies.
But early results from Moderna suggest its vaccine is still effective against variants with this mutation – although the body’s immune response may not be as strong or prolonged.
Measures such as washing hands, keeping a safe distance from other people and wearing a face mask will still help prevent infections.
Samten Dolkar
