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| © Reuters = News 1 |
Recently, quarantine authorities have discovered a mutation found in South Africa (South Africa) following a mutation in the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) from the UK. It is known that mutations originating in South Africa are more severe than mutations originating in England.
According to the Central Defense Response Headquarters on the 2nd, the South African mutant virus was confirmed on a sample of one immigrant from South Africa on December 26 last year. This patient was immediately quarantined after being tested positive at the time of entry.
Both the British mutant Corona 19 virus’B.1.1.7′ and the South African mutant ‘501.V2’ are characterized by having higher infectivity than previously discovered viruses. Although it has not been confirmed that the fatality rate that leads to death of the infected person has not been confirmed, it is a target of caution because more infected people can occur.
In particular, it is even more concerned as scholars claim that the mutation of the Corona 19 virus originating in South Africa may have a higher infectivity than the mutation found in the UK.
“The South African mutation (compared to the British variant) has more mutations added to the two genes:’E484K’ and’K417N’,” said Professor Gilda Techizian Brunette Research Institute, president of the Australian Virus Association.
Earlier, British Health Minister Matt Hancock announced restrictions on travel to South Africa and noted that the mutant virus appears to be more mutated than the virus that is spreading in the UK and is concerned that it could spread more.
◇ Corona 19 mutation from UK and South Asia affects spike protein gene… Influence on infectivity
The cause of the corona 19 mutation from the UK is highly infectious, and it is attributed to a mutation occurring in the spike protein gene located on the surface of the virus. Spike protein is the main site that Corona 19 uses to penetrate cells.
In all of the UK mutations, 23 gene mutations were found, six of which are unlikely to affect the virus. In general, viruses continue to mutate during replication. However, it is extremely rare that such a large number of mutations have been reported at once.
In addition, it appears that 8 out of 17 mutations excluding 6 mutations are related to the spike protein gene. Health authorities in the UK have speculated that mutations in the’N501Y’,’N439K’ and’Y453F’ genes may be involved in increasing the infectivity of the Corona 19 virus.
In particular, N501Y strengthens the binding of the’Angiotensin 2 (ACE2)’ receptor protein that targets the corona 19 spike protein to penetrate cells. This N501Y was also found in a mutation from South Africa.
The E484K gene found in the South African mutation is expected to affect infectivity by engaging in binding with ACE2 like N501Y.
In an interview with the Guardian last week, Professor Richard Ressels, an infectious disease scientist in South Africa, said, “Combining our data and data from the British authorities (South Africa) seems to be more effective in human-to-human infections. “It means we have to find a better way to do it (than before) that works a little more.”
501.V2 was found in about 200 samples collected from more than 50 medical institutions across South Africa. Initially, it was discovered only in coastal areas, but is now spreading inland.
◇Both mutations have no effect on fatality… High infectivity, personal quarantine guidelines need to be followed more thoroughly
Fortunately, it is an analysis that neither the British nor South African mutation will have a significant impact on the fatality rate.
Therefore, there is no need to develop a new vaccine for Corona 19.
Vaccination produces a variety of antibodies that can inactivate the virus in the body by an immune response. At this time, some antibodies may not act on the new mutation, but others are not affected. Experts analyzed that the vaccine may be a little less effective, but overall the effect will be insignificant.
Also, research shows that there is no evidence yet that the new mutation makes Corona 19 worse. British health officials also explained that patients are more likely to have the same symptoms as before.
However, more data and related research are still needed. It is not yet clear how this new mutation will affect later diseases.
Also, if the new mutation spreads at a rate that outweighs the capacity of the current healthcare system, it could lead to an increase in mortality.
The Guardian emphasized that existing infection prevention measures, such as social distancing and compliance with personal hygiene rules, need to be strengthened. It is important to keep in mind that the closer you are to others, the greater the risk of infection.
◇ As of 0:00 on the 2nd, 10 confirmed domestic mutations were confirmed… The fatality rate is not confirmed.
Meanwhile, there were 10 cases of mutant virus infections confirmed in Korea until 0 o’clock on the 2nd, including 9 cases from the UK and 1 case from South Africa.
The authorities are cautious about the opinion that the South African mutant virus is highly infectious. “We are still researching by international organizations including experts,” said Kim Eun-jin, head of the test and analysis team at Bang Dae-bon. “It should be confirmed through more robust experimental and clinical studies.”
It also revealed that the fatality rate for the mutant virus is still unknown. Kim Eun-jin said, “In South Africa, there have been reports that the spreading power increases based on the number of patients, and there are no reports on appearance such as fatality.”
However, the government judged that the possibility of becoming the dominant virus leading the outbreak in the future is high as mutant viruses originating in the UK and South Africa are spreading worldwide.
In a regular briefing on the 29th of last month, Kwon Joon-wook, head of the 2nd vice president, said, “A new mutant virus will someday lead the world outbreak.”