A mutation may be causing Covid-19 to become more contagious

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, has been accumulating genetic mutations which could be making it more contagious. This is according to a study done on more than 5,000 Covid-19 patients from Houston, which is one of the largest peer-reviewed studies of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in the US.

The study by a team of scientists at the Houston Methodist Hospital and University of Texas at Austin identified the mutation called D614G, which is located in the spike protein that allows the entry of viruses into the cells.

According to Ilya Finkelstein, co-author of the study and associate professor of molecular biosciences at The University of Texas, a combination of factors, including random genetic changes as well as the body’s immune response, has caused the mutation of the virus.

During the first wave of the pandemic, the experts identified the mutation in 71% of the cases in Houston. However, during the second wave, the prevalence increased to 99.9%. It also appears that these numbers are consistent with cases worldwide as another study based on more than 28,000 genome sequences was able to identify the version of the virus with the D614G mutation as the globally dominant form.

Experts believe that the strain with the mutation overpowered the strain without it because it is a lot more contagious. A study done in the UK on more than 25,000 genome sequences showed that the viruses with the mutation transmit slightly faster and have caused larger clusters of infections.

However, not all scientists are convinced of this scenario. Some have suggested that the phenomenon is caused by “founder’s effects,” which means that the virus strain with the D614G mutation arrived first in Europe and North America. Therefore, it is more prevalent than the copy of the virus without the mutation.

Then again, the Houston team of scientists showed in lab experiments that the spike protein keeps accumulating additional genetic mutations. According to the team, one mutation allows the spike protein to evade a neutralising antibody that the human body produces to fight off infection, which could allow the virus to slip past the immune system.

It is still unclear, though, if this mutation helps the virus become even more contagious. Fortunately, it appears that this particular mutation is rare and does not make the disease more severe.

Finkelstein and his team believes that the virus would continue to mutate and that constant clinical genetic testing is necessary to monitor the virus and ensure the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics.

It is also important to note that there are several factors that need to be considered when weighing an individual’s risk of getting a severe case of Covid-19, such as the status of their health and well-being and their genetic predisposition for serious diseases.

A mutation may be causing Covid-19 to become more contagious

Resources Menu