"Dozens of Mutations" Super Variant Emerges in Botswana and South Africa

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A coronavirus variant reflecting dozens of mutations at once has been discovered in Botswana and South Africa.

According to The Guardian on the 24th (local time), the variant is 'B.1.1.529'. This variant has 32 genetic mutations in the spike protein.

The first discovery was on the 11th of last month in Botswana, Africa. Since then, two more cases have been confirmed in Botswana. Subsequently, six cases were found in South Africa, and one case in Hong Kong.

The South African Department of Health officially confirmed the emergence of the new variant on the 25th and warned that it could be highly transmissible. They also reported that confirmed cases are increasing mainly in Gauteng Province in the metropolitan area, as well as in North West and Limpopo provinces.

The Hong Kong case involved a 36-year-old man who tested positive during quarantine two days after returning from a 20-day visit to South Africa.

The virus uses the spike protein to penetrate host cells, so mutations in the spike protein can alter transmissibility. Additionally, it may become more difficult for the human immune system to attack the virus.

Professor Fran?ois Balloux of the Genetics Institute at University College London (UCL) explained, "The discovery of a large number of mutations within one variant is likely the result of a single explosive mutation event," and added, "Such changes may have occurred inside a chronic patient with a weakened immune system, such as one infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)."

He further stated, "Neutralizing antibodies will likely find it more difficult to recognize this variant compared to the Alpha and Delta variants," and "At this stage, it is difficult to predict transmissibility. Unless it spreads rapidly in the near future, there is no need for excessive concern."