Topline
Scientists from Ohio State University said Wednesday that they have discovered two new coronavirus mutations that they believe have roots in the U.S., one of which they say is more likely to be contagious than strains that were There is concern, as the U.S. Revolution continues to break records with increasing numbers of new cases.
Healthcare workers provide free Covid-19 tests to patients in cars in the car park. … [+]
AFP through Getty Images
Key facts
Using genome sequences of coronavirus patients, scientists at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center say they have identified a patient in Ohio who contracted a coronavirus strain with a mutation similar to the variant that was diagnosed. first identified in the UK – however, researchers believe it developed from an existing strain in the United States.
The team also identified another new coronavirus strain that they say developed three gene mutations – previously unseen together – that quickly became the most widespread variant present in Columbus in just three weeks, wrote them in a press release.
The scientists wrote that the mutations in the two new virus strains affect the tiny spikes that cover the surface of coronavirus cells that allow the virus to attach itself to and capture human cells.
They believe the mutations in the snoring found in Columbus patients could make the virus more contagious, like the strain first identified in the UK, which an early study suggests is 56 % more contagious.
Quote Cruise
“The big question is whether these mutations will make vaccines and conventional therapeutic methods so effective,” Peter Mohler, chief scientific officer at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center who co-authored the study, said in a statement. “At this stage, we do not have data to believe that these mutations will have any effect on the effectiveness of vaccines now in use. “
Key background
Newer coronavirus strains have caused panic, especially those that may be more infectious. The coronavirus variant first identified in the UK is believed to be behind the country’s recent rise in new diseases. The virus is more contagious than previous strains, and countries around the world have banned travelers from coming in Britain in an attempt to keep the new variant out of their borders. Issues known as the “UK strain” have already been highlighted in former US CDC Director Tom Frieden last week that the new US strain has the potential to push “close to the UK. worst-case scenario. ” The U.S. is already battling the world’s most devastating coronavirus uprising, with the Johns Hopkins University administrator counting more than 22.8 million confirmed cases and 381,130 deaths.
Further reading
Seven days since the Capitol attack has been fatal of Pandemic Covid (Forbes)
‘Near worst case’ – CDC deputy director unveils ‘awful’ look for new covid strain (Forbes)
New, more infectious UK Coronavirus strain found in Connecticut – Here are the states with cases so far (Forbes)
New Coronavirus Strain is 56% more contagious, scientists estimate (Forbes)