JAKARTA – Mutations of the COVID-19 E484K aka Eek virus were detected to have entered Indonesia. This variant is considered quite worrying. Because it is more contagious. The public is asked to be vigilant and disciplined in health protocols.
“This mutation seems to have an impact on the immune system response,” said the Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI) Professor. Tjandra Yoga Aditama in Jakarta, Friday (9/4).
The E484K variant, first discovered in South Africa (B1351) and Brazil (B1128). Furthermore, it is found in a number of countries. This mutation entered Indonesia around February 2021.
This Eek variant has the ability to avoid natural immunity from previous COVID-19 infections. In addition, it is predicted to reduce the protection of the current vaccines.
Eek is called a mutation because it changes the part of the viral spike protein that the immune system relies on. The E484K mutation alters the original virus spike protein. “So it is easier to bind and form a stronger connection to the host cell. This makes it more contagious, “he added.
Tjandra said that the B117 variant when added with E484K will make the body need to increase the number of serum antibodies. The goal is to prevent infection.
“The B117 variant has proven to be much more contagious. If you join E484K, of course, it will cause quite a big problem for the transmission of COVID-19 in the community, “he said.
In addition, E484K is also predicted to shorten the working period of neutralizing antibodies in the body. It will be easier for people to get reinfected after recovering from COVID-19.
“Research is still being done. If the E484K mutation or other variant mutations will make the vaccine ineffective, the vaccine manufacturer can modify the vaccine. So that later it can be effective in controlling COVID-19, “he explained. (rh / fin)
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