"More Concerning Than Delta"…Lambda Variant Raises 'Vaccine Evasion Possibility'

Detected in 29 Countries Worldwide Mainly in Latin America
High Transmissibility and Potential Antibody Evasion Raised
WHO "If Severity Increases, Will Designate as 'Variant of Concern'"
"Evidence Still Limited... Further Research Needed"

A COVID-19 victim's body being transported at a cemetery on the outskirts of Lima, Peru / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Experts are expressing concerns about the 'Lambda variant' virus, which is rapidly spreading mainly in South America. The Lambda variant is not currently classified as a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there are possibilities that it may have higher transmissibility compared to other viruses or could evade immunity gained from vaccines.

On the 13th (local time), the Indian local media 'Hindustan Times' quoted an internist saying, "Delta is troublesome and Delta Plus is a rare variant, but the real concern is the Lambda variant."

The Lambda variant is a mutated COVID-19 virus found in 29 countries worldwide, including the United States, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands, centered in South America. According to WHO, since April, an estimated 81% of all COVID-19 cases in Peru are infected with the Lambda variant. In Argentina, the infection rate was recorded at 37% as of April-May.

It is understood that the Lambda variant has not yet been detected domestically. On the 13th, Kim Eun-jin, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Team's Testing and Analysis Division, explained at a regular briefing, "The Lambda variant has not been confirmed in the country," adding, "Some research results suggest that vaccines and currently used treatments are somewhat effective, but further investigation of the evidence is needed."

COVID-19 Virus / Photo by Yonhap News

Currently, WHO does not classify the Lambda variant as a variant of concern. However, on the 2nd, WHO stated, "If research results show strong transmissibility, it will be upgraded from a 'variant of interest' to a 'variant of concern.'"

WHO is closely monitoring the Lambda variant due to its high transmissibility and potential 'vaccine escape.' Regarding this, WHO explained, "Lambda has many mutations suspected to be 'phenotypic' responses," and "It could potentially increase transmissibility or enhance antibody neutralization resistance."

Previously, in South America, there was a possibility raised that the Lambda variant could evade immunity obtained through vaccines. On the 1st, a paper posted on the medical preprint site 'medRxiv' attracted attention by stating, "A study on Chilean healthcare workers showed that the Lambda variant reduces vaccine neutralization response by 3.05 times, lowering preventive effectiveness."

If these characteristics are confirmed, the Lambda variant could be upgraded to a 'variant of concern.' However, further investigation is needed regarding the Lambda variant's potential to evade vaccines. WHO explained, "If transmissibility or severity increases, or if it affects vaccines, it will become a variant of concern," adding, "So far, evidence related to impact is limited, and more research is needed."