In Europe, North America and parts of Asia a Mutation of the novel coronavirus developed. The so-called D614g mutation is said to be more contagious, but also less deadly, claims a well-known doctor for infectious diseases. Researchers discovered the mutated virus in Europe and America as early as February, according to the WHO. According to the organization, no more serious illnesses as a result of the mutated virus are known to date.
Coronavirus D614g mutation is more contagious
The spread of the D614g mutation in some parts of the world coincides with a decline in death rates, claims Paul Tambyah of the National University of Singapore, who is also elected president of the International Society of Infectious Diseases. He therefore also suspects that this mutated virus is less deadly. “Maybe a virus that is more contagious but less deadly is good,” he says, adding that most viruses become less dangerous when they mutate.
“It is in the virus’ s interest to infect more people but not kill them because the virus needs its hosts for food and shelter,” he says.
Malaysia’s General Director of Health Noor Hisham calls for greater public vigilance after two recent clusters suspected of having the D614g mutation in the coronavirus found. Sebastian Maurer-Stroh of the Singapore Science, Technology and Research Agency said the variant was also found in the city-state, but containment measures have prevented it from spreading on a larger scale.
What does a mutating virus mean for future vaccines?
According to Hisham, the D614g strain discovered there is ten times more contagious than the original strain, which could mean that the vaccines currently being developed will not be effective on him. In contrast, Tambya and Maurer-Stroh believe that the mutating viruses will not change so much that potential vaccines may be less effective.
“The strains are almost identical and have not changed the parts that our immune system normally recognizes. Therefore, there should be no difference for the development of vaccines,” says Maurer-Stroh.
More details about the D614g mutation you’ll find here. –
