[국제]Rare mutation spread to 19 countries… the identity of’B1525 virus’

[국제]Rare mutation spread to 19 countries… the identity of’B1525 virus’

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COVID-19 rare mutation B1525, derived from the UK mutation
“Possibility of becoming more contagious and reducing vaccine effectiveness due to protein mutations”
‘B1525 mutation’ confirmed 280 cases of infection in 19 countries

[앵커]

The spread of the COVID-19 mutant virus is accelerating.

Shortly after the creation of a rare, more contagious virus, B1525, derived from a British mutation, it spread to 19 countries around the world.

Let’s take a look at the details with reporter Jo Soo-hyun of the International Department. welcome.

Let’s start with the identity of the B1525 mutant virus.

[기자]

The B1525 mutation was first detected in Nigeria and the UK in December of last year.

It is derived from an existing British mutation.

It is similar to the British mutation, but is characterized by additional mutations in the protein.

A mutation in the spike protein called E484K has been reported to evade the immune system.

Therefore, it is analyzed that it is more contagious than the existing British mutation and there is a possibility that the immune response may be lowered.

The South African mutation also has the E484K mutation, which has raised concerns that a cure for COVID-19 may be reinfected or the vaccine may be less effective.

Disabling the function of the spike protein can prevent infection, so most vaccines target the spike protein.

If the mutation changes the structure of the spike protein, the vaccine may be less effective.

[앵커]

If so, how far has the B1525 mutation been spreading?

[기자]

Until now, it has been confirmed in Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

A total of 280 cases of infection have been reported in 19 countries.

Last night, news came that the first case of infection was confirmed in Germany.

A local diagnostic company in Germany says at the airport in Berlin it has confirmed that a resident from Saxony has been infected with the B1525 virus.

Accordingly, from the beginning of this year, all corona 19 diagnostic testing centers are re-examining confirmed cases to check for mutant virus infection.

In Italy, the B1525 virus was first introduced last month.

Combining with the rapid spread of existing UK mutations, it is becoming more difficult to respond.

[저작권자(c) YTN & YTN plus 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]

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