The latest American studies claim that there are two new strains of Covid-19. One, largely in the world, would be more dangerous than the original. The other mutation, however, suggests a weakening of the virus.
According to the Chinese National Bioinformation Center, more than 7000 mutations of the new coronavirus have already been registered. But while scientists seemed to agree on their minor nature, recent research brings new elements: their dangerousness would be variable.
Indeed, if most of them have no influence on the very function of the virus, Chinese researchers have shown that certain mutations would lead to strains up to 270 times more virulent than others. This explains why from one region to another, the incidence of the epidemic is not the same.
A study, conducted by the University of Arizona and published in the Journal of Virology, reveals a potential weakening of the Covid-19. Thanks to the analysis of several samples taken from patients infected with the new coronavirus, the scientists discovered that a mutation had occurred. Indeed, pieces of the genome have completely disappeared. It is this same phenomenon which had led in 2003 to the weakening of the Sars-Cov virus, then to its disappearance, reports Futura.
Another study from the Los Alamos National Laboratory is much less optimistic. Scientists have found 14 mutations in advanced proteins on the surface of the virus, explain our colleagues. It is one of these strains which began to spread in Europe in February and in the United States. Today it is predominant in the world.
According to researchers, this strain is more dangerous than the original Chinese version. Indeed, it would spread faster and make individuals more vulnerable to a second infection. In addition, the regular appearance of mutations greatly complicates the development of a vaccine.
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