Omicron reportedly has 30+ mutations in spike protein region, may bypass vaccines: AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria

By Sumit Blogs -

The new Omicron variant of coronavirus has reportedly got over 30 mutations in the spike protein region giving it the potential to develop a immunoescape mechanism, and thus the efficacy of vaccines against it needs to be evaluated critically, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria has said.

The presence of spike protein facilitates a virus’ entry into the host cell and is responsible for making it transmissible and causing infection.

“The new variant of coronavirus reportedly has got more than 30 mutations at the spike protein region and therefore has the potential of developing immunoescape mechanisms. As most vaccines (work by) forming antibodies against the spike protein, so many mutations at the spike protein region may lead to a decreased efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines,” AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria told PTI.

In such a scenario, the efficacy of vaccines including those in use in India needs to be evaluated “critically”, he said.

The future course of action will depend on what more data on its transmissibility, virulence and immunoescpae shows, he said.

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia INSACOG is closely tracking the new variant of COVID-19 called B.1.1.529 and its presence has not been detected yet in the country, officials have said.

Dr Guleria emphasised the need to be very vigilant and having aggressive surveillance both for international travellers and in the region where there is a sudden increase in the number of cases.

“Also, we must ask everyone to religiously follow Coivd-appropriate behaviour and not let their guards down. Also, it has to be ensured that people get both the doses of vaccine and those who have not yet taken the jab are encouraged to come forward to take it,” he said.

The new, and potentially more contagious variant, was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on November 24. It has since been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel among other countries.

On Friday, it was designated a ‘Variant of Concern’ by the WHO, which named it Omicron. A ‘Variant of Concern’ is the WHO’s top category of worrying Covid-19 strain.

The Centre on Thursday asked all states and union territories to conduct rigorous screening and testing of all international travellers coming from or transiting through South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana.

In a letter to the additional chief secretary/principal secretary/secretary (Health) of all states and union territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan asked them to ensure that samples of travellers turning positive are sent to the designated genome sequencing laboratories promptly.

Credits – Source – https://ift.tt/3IaxTIS

The post Omicron reportedly has 30+ mutations in spike protein region, may bypass vaccines: AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria appeared first on Stay in Gurgaon.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Flat sale of flu drugs hints at no unusual rise in infections

By Sumit Blogs -
Image
By Economic Times – Flat sale of flu drugs hints at no unusual rise in infections Industry executives and chemists said the April sales data showed a month-on-month decline of 30-40%. But even though the lockdown is seen to be impacting sales of most drugs, the pattern for medicines for infections and flus is no different.Last Updated: Apr 30, 2020, 11.23 AM ISTAgenciesExperts said the decline in sales was primarily because of the lockdown and other restrictions which forced people to stay indoors. (This story originally appeared in on Apr 30, 2020)NEW DELHI: Sales of anti-infectives (antibiotics and antivirals), respiratory drugs, painkillers and analgesics — some key medicines used for influenza-like illnesses — have remained mostly unchanged in last three months (January to March), partly explained by the lockdown but also indicating no unusual rise in flu-type infections that might point to a wider and undetected spread of Covid-19. Sales of most medicines, including this set of
Read more

10YearsForSimha: Reasons behind film’s success

By Sumit Blogs -
Image
By Times of India – 10YearsForSimha: Reasons behind film’s success TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on – Apr 30, 2020, 06:00 ISTclose01/6Take a look at the reasons behind the film’s successDirected by Boyapati Srinu, the 2010 film Simha was a game-changer among Tollywood films that was lauded, not only for Nandamuri Balakrishna’s intense performance in the dual role but also the gripping narration of the filmmaker. Balayya and Nayanthara were seen on the big screen for the first time ever in the film. The action drama made a special place in the hearts of the audience because of its simple storytelling, superhit songs and unbeatable chemistry between the lead pair. The movie has completed a decade, but the essence is as fresh as it was back then. As the film clocks 10 years of its release, find out the reasons behind the massive success of the Balakrishna starrer.readmore02/6​Boyapati Srinu’s gripping narrationBefore Simha, Boyapati Srinu had delivered Bhadra (2005) and Tulasi (2007),
Read more

Hrithik-Saif’s Vikram Vedha hits a roadblock

By Sumit Blogs -
Image
The stage was about to be set for Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan’s ‘Vikram Vedha’ in Mumbai’s Film City. The material had reached. The artisans had been hired. But the lights have now been dimmed. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi’s hit movie Vikram Vedha’s Hindi remake will not go on floors by mid-July as per the original plan. The new delta virus of COVID has sent shudders down many spines and many films which were being laid out on an expansive scale have been either held back or shifted their shoots abroad. The first schedule of this Hrithik-Saif movie will now be shot abroad. A source says, “The Mumbai schedule will be done but later.” Adds the source, “It’s a call that was taken yesterday. It wasn’t an easy call to take, no doubt, but the fact that it’s going to be a costly set made the makers take the safer route rather than be sorry later.” When contacted, General Secretary of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), Ashok Dubey, confirmed that the makers of ‘V
Read more