1576: Which variant of coronavirus are we most likely to encounter in India?

In Punjab and Delhi, it is more likely that the variant will be B.1.1.7, which is also known as the Kent or the British mutant. In Maharashtra and neighboring states, one is more likely to encounter the B.1.617 variant, also known as the ‘double mutant’. Although this variant was first reported from India, it has now been identified in the UK, the USA, Australia, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand, Namibia and South Africa.

The N440K variant reported from Kerala has also been identified in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This variant has been detected in 16 countries. The South African and Brazilian variants have also been reported in small numbers in the country.

1577: Do vaccines work against the variant found in India?

The B.1.617 variant carries a mutation component - E.484Q - which is like E.484K that has been reported to have lower efficacy of immune response to the AstraZeneca vaccine in South Africa.

1578: Do vaccines produce IgA?

No, the vaccines do not produce IgA which is a secretory antibody with the potential to remove the virus from mucosal surfaces of the nose and throat. Therefore, a mild infection is still possible.

[Source: News18]

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA