Expert “The result of long-term retention of the virus in the body with weak immunity”
An image of a novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) virus taken with an electron microscope. / Photo = Yonhap News
[아시아경제 임주형 기자] It is reported that as many as 18 viral mutations were found in one patient who was confirmed to have a novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) in Russia.
On the 12th (local time), local media outlets in Russia such as Izvestiya reported that 18 COVID-19 virus mutations were found in one female confirmed case, citing reports from experts in the field of Russian viruses and infectious diseases.
A (47), who was tested positive for Corona 19 while undergoing chemotherapy for stage IV lymphoma at a hospital in April last year, was diagnosed with Corona 19 several times over the course of several months after the diagnosis. He was reported to have been tested positive until the last test on September 9 last year.
As a result of comparing and analyzing the samples of Mr. A collected at this time, experts confirmed that various viral mutations were generated.
Regarding this, experts said in the report, “The generation of a large number of mutations is the result of the long-term stay of the corona 19 virus in the human body of a person with weakened immunity.” I guess.”
On the 11th (local time) in a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, a health worker is checking the body temperature of an elderly patient. / Photo = Yonhap News
Regarding the possibility that the infectivity and transmission rate of the virus increased due to the mutation, he said, “It seems that it is not very dangerous given that the mutant virus found in women did not spread widely,” but “It is difficult to conclude on the spreading power or lethality. It is still too early.”
Meanwhile, a new variant reported in the UK in November last year has raised awareness about the COVID-19 virus mutation. At the time, the British government said that the virus mutation in the UK could be up to 70% higher than the existing corona 19 virus.
On the 18th of last month, the South African quarantine authorities reported a new mutation of the Corona 19 virus. In Korea, a person infected with a mutant virus from South Africa was confirmed on the 2nd.
New virus mutations have also been reported in Japan. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan announced on the 2nd that it had confirmed the infection of the new mutant virus as a result of conducting a genetic analysis on the samples of four men and women who arrived in Brazil from Brazil and tested positive for Corona 19 during airport quarantine. The virus mutation has some in common with the previously reported British-South African mutation, but it has been confirmed that the gene sequence is different.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan is currently investigating characteristics such as the infectious power of the mutation.
Reporter Lim Joo-hyung [email protected]