Resource: COVID-19: New Coronavirus Variant is Identified in the UK
Source: British Medical Journal
Synopsis: VUI-202012/01 (the first “Variant Under Investigation” in December 2020) and is defined by a set of 17 changes or mutations. One of the most significant is an N501Y mutation in the spike protein that the virus uses to bind to the human ACE2 receptor. Changes in this part of spike protein may, in theory, result in the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between people.
Comment: This is the first variant under investigation as defined by a set of 17 mutations. The most significant mutation is in a spike proteins which binds to the human ACE2 receptor. In theory, this leads to the virus being more infectious with a greater propensity to spread among people. This was identified by the COVID-19 Genomic consortium which has sequenced 140,000 virus genomes from people infected with COVID-19 since April 2020. Thus far, this mutant infection now accounts for 20% of viruses sequenced in Northfalk, 10% in Essex, and 3% in Suffolk. It is important to note there is no evidence it has been imported from abroad and appears to have evolved in the United Kingdom. Mutations are common and many thousands have already arisen, the vast majority have no effect on the virus that can be useful as a barcode to monitor outbreaks. There is no evidence this strain causes more severe illness. The current vaccines should work against this strain.
