Multiple mutations and unique proteins in isolates of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified by the scientists from the Indian Institute of Sciences. The study which is published in the ‘Journal of Proteome Research,’ has shown that the host produces many proteins of their own as immunological response to the viral attack.  The team analysis has suggested that the virus is now mutating at a faster rate compared with the earlier three isolates from Bengaluru with 27 mutations in their genomes with over 11 mutations per sample. The study showed that the isolates in India have multiple origins and did not evolve from a single ancestral variant. The study has concluded that proteins act as reliable markers of infections like COVID-19 as they are more ample and steady as compared to RNA molecules on which the prevalent RT-PCR tests are dependent. (ET Health world, March 4, 2021)