The international group of scientists has confirmed that the new Brazilian strain of Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 is twice again more than the other forms of the pathogen, which makes it more dangerous for those who have already suffered people. Researchers published their findings in the SCIENCE journal.
At the end of 2020, a new increase in the incidence of COVID-19 was observed in the Brazilian city of Manaus, despite the high level of infection before. The sequencing of the genome 184 of virus samples selected from November 2020 to January 2021, disclosed that a new version was propagated in Manaus – P.1, characterized by 17 amino acid substitutions, three of which were touched by a thorough protein. These mutations – K417T, E484K and N501Y – potentially able to strengthen the binding of the viral protein with the ACE2 receptor on the surface of human cells, helping the virus to penetrate inside.
Analysis of molecular hours, which is based on a hypothesis that mutations arise, on average, at a constant speed, showed that the new strain appeared in about mid November 2020, and he was preceded by a period of faster molecular evolution. According to scientists estimates, contagious P.1 increased by 1.7-2.4 times, and protection against it in the passing people was reduced by 21-46 percent compared to protection against other strains. Preliminary data indicate an increase in mortality in 1.2-1.9 times, but is not yet clear whether it is caused by changes in the virus or increased load on the health system in the city.
Currently, the P.1 line is quickly distributed in Brazil, and it has been found in more than 36 countries. According to scientists, the situation requires urgent studies to assess the resistance of the new strain of existing vaccines.