NICD research suggests BA.2 is nothing to worry about – Photo: Adobe Stock
NICD research suggests BA.2 is nothing to worry about – Photo: Adobe Stock
There’s probably nothing more anxiety-inducing than hearing the words ‘new COVID mutation’ in this current climate. So when South African scientists revealed that they were tracking a new, possibly dangerous C.1.2 variant last month, millions of us were left on edge. However, one professor has shared a very promising update with us all.
C.1.2 variant latest – growth rates appear to slow
Tulio de Oliveira has produced his findings for the Network for Genomic Surveillance South Africa (NGSSA). The leading virologist, who has been at the forefront of genome sequencing since the pandemic began, has revealed that the C.1.2 variant is now spreading slower than it was earlier this winter.
The number of C.1.2 variant sequences dropped from 73 to 12 in August, a six-fold decline on the month before. The proportion of sequences dropped by over a third, too. After rising to 2.2% in July, C.1.2 lineages only account for 1.5% of discovered cases now – and there’s still no evidence to suggest it *might* evade the impact of our vaccines.
How many cases of the C.1.2 variant are there?
The NGSSA has also shown what C.1.2’s growth rates look like in comparison to the previous variants, of Beta and Delta. As it looks right now, the supposedly fearsome strain is failing to launch in the same way its predecessors did.
Strain remains under investigation
So, why have scientists been warning us against the C.1.2 variant? The truth is, there are features of the mutation which require further investigation. But those who were fearing that this could lead to some sort of apocalyptic spread last week may already have to eat their words. According to de Oliveira, these are the key details about the latest strain.
- There are a total of 14 amino acids change at the Spike protein.
- That includes the E484K lineage, which can reduce neutralization (Beta).
- N501Y, H655Y, and P681H – all associated with increased transmission – are also present.
- Deletions of the 144 and 242-243 lineage have also been detected.
- However, the C.1.2 variant stills acts and appears like other forms of COVID-19, and isn’t likely to be vaccine resistant.
