New strain of coronavirus with double mutation discovered in India
A new strain of coronavirus infection with a double mutation has been found in India, Reuters reports, citing the country's Ministry of Health.
“A new double mutation has been identified in the country along with a number of other variants of the coronavirus,” the ministry said in a statement.
We are talking about a combination of mutations of the coronavirus E484Q and L452R. They were found in samples collected in the western state of Maharashtra. Doctors believe that such double mutations cause a decrease in the body's immunity and an increased tendency to infection. Virologist Shahid Jamil, in particular, noted that a double mutation in key areas of the virus's spike protein can increase these risks and allow the virus to bypass the immune system. The spike protein is part of the virus and uses it to enter human cells.
Note that on March 18, the “British”, “Brazilian” and “South African” mutations of the coronavirus entered India. The strains were detected in 400 people, 158 of them got sick in the last two weeks. However, according to the authorities, no re-infection with these strains has been identified in India.
We will remind, a few days ago, a new strain of coronavirus was found in Belgium. The variety was named B.1.214.
