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What is known about the Sars-Cov-2 variant. The word to the experts

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What is known about the Sars-Cov-2 variant. The word to the experts

All the first details – according to virologists and epidemiologists – on the variant of Sars-Cov-2 declared in Great Britain

The variant of the virus identified in Great Britain is not detectable by all the tests currently available: the virologist Francesco Broccolo, of the University of Milan Bicocca and director of the Cerba laboratory in Milan, observes it. The variant is distinguished only by a second level examination, based on the sequencing of the viral genome.

Here are all the details.

THE VARIANT OF SARS-COV-2

The variant of Sars-Cov-2 that spreads faster creates further turmoil in a continent already struggling with a complicated management of the pandemic during the Christmas holidays: so practically all of Europe, including Italy, has decided to suspend flights with Great Britain .

THE MUTATION OF THE VIRUS

But the virus mutation is already circulating on the Continent and Italy has announced that it has found a positive couple to the new variant.

THE ITALIAN WOMAN

The patient on whom the genome of the Sars-Cov-2 virus with the British variant was found for the first time in Italy as well.

THE PATIENT

According to what is learned from health sources , the patient – who is in isolation with her partner who returned from the UK a few days ago – has a strong viral load. The woman – who according to some sources is in the Rome area – has had the swab in recent days, probably in a drive through. Other family members and their close contacts are also in isolation.

THE ANALYSIS OF PROF. BROCCOLI

One of the mutations underlying the variant that appeared in Britain would help the Sars-CoV-2 virus escape the immune system. This is indicated by the COVID-19 Genomics Uk consortium survey, Imperial College London, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff.

"The surveillance of the new variant needs to be strengthened worldwide," reads the research, online on the Virology.org site, which hosts articles not yet reviewed. The mutation is among the 3 main ones of the variant, observes the virologist Francesco Broccolo of the University of Milan Bicocca.

This "unexpected large number of genetic changes" of the new SarsCoV2 strain, indicated with the acronym B.1.1.7 requires "an enhanced genomic surveillance all over the world", reads the research, considering the possible consequences of the mutations, the effects unknown of their possible combination and the high rate of growth observed in Britain.

According to the research, there are three main mutations to be carefully considered: the first is indicated with the acronym N501Y: “it is a mutation present on the Spike protein”, notes Broccolo. That is, it concerns the protein that the virus uses as a molecular key to open the lock that allows it to enter the cell, namely the ACE2 receptor.

The second mutation, called 69-70del, is a deletion, ie it arises from the silencing of a gene. "It had already been described previously – Broccoli notes – and would allow the virus to escape the immune system".

The third mutation, P681H, occurred in a strategic position for the virus, that is, it is adjacent to the site where the action of furin, the enzyme that breaks down the Spike protein, is controlled, allowing the virus to enter the cell.

"A mutation of the genus would therefore facilitate the infection," notes Broccolo. It should also be considered, adds the virologist, that "these three mutations have come to be found in a single variant, which gives strength to the virus".

WHAT SAYS REZZA OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

“The variant of Sars-CoV2 that is currently circulating in London and south east England, has mutations on the virus's surface protein, the so-called Spike. Although it is hypothesized that these mutations may increase the transmissibility of the virus, they do not appear to alter either the clinical aggression or the response to vaccines, ”said the Director of Prevention of the Ministry of Health, Gianni Rezza.

THE TWEETS OF PROF. GILESTRO

Here are the explanatory tweets by Giorgio Gilestro, Neurobiologist, Associate Professor, at Imperial College London:

WHERE THE VARIANT WAS TRACKED

The variant found in the last few weeks in Great Britain has also already been traced in Holland, Denmark, Australia and perhaps South Africa. "It is out of control," the authorities in London admitted, so much so as to double the infections in the Kingdom in just a week. The new strain of Covid is frightening above all because it is highly contagious – up to 70% more in London and in the south-east of England – enough to force the British government to impose a lockdown in the capital.

WHAT THE WHO SAYS

The WHO has made it known that it is in "close contact" with Boris Johnson's men, and in the meantime has invited all European governments to "strengthen their control and prevention procedures". It is not yet certain that the disease is more lethal, indeed there are those who exclude it, but there is the possibility that it "affects diagnostic methods", the UN body warned.

THE VACCINE ACCORDING TO OXFORD

As for the vaccine, however, according to the University of Oxford (which is working on the drug with AstraZeneca) the new variant "does not worry". To avoid unpleasant surprises, however, the European chancelleries have decided to run for cover, effectively isolating Great Britain.

THE CLOSE IN EUROPE

The tightening, as often happens in the EU, took place in no particular order. He started Holland, suspending flights to London until January 1st. Then it was the turn of Belgium (trains too) and Italy. The ordinance, announced by the Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and signed by the owner of Health Roberto Speranza, has already entered into force, until January 6.

THE STOP AT THE FLIGHTS

The stop to flights was also decided by Germany which, as EU president in office, took action to take stock of the situation with its partners. Canada also suspends flights from the UK.

WHAT THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT SAID

"At the moment there is no risk of food shortages, the distribution chain is quite solid" in Great Britain despite the blockade of trucks by France following the discovery of a British variant of the coronavirus, assured the minister of British transport, Grant Shapps, in an interview with Skynews .

The minister said he was "surprised" by France's decision to include hauliers in the stop. However, he stressed, "my French counterparts have assured me that they want to unblock them as soon as possible".

This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/sanita/che-cosa-si-sa-della-variante-di-sars-cov-2-la-parola-agli-esperti/ on Mon, 21 Dec 2020 08:43:14 +0000.