The first analyzes of the structure-to-activity relationship focused on the relationship between three mutations and Delta’s behavior. In particular, a prepublication study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, suggests that three mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may make the variant more transmissible by facilitating the binding of this protein to the receptor. human cells (known as the ACE2 receptor).
If we use the analogy from the book, it means that three of the pieces cut out in the Delta version of the book are different from the original. Each of these three pieces can make it easier for the virus to infect human cells.
What do we know about the epidemiology of the Delta variant and its hot spots?
Everything suggests that Delta played an important role in the wave of Covid-19 cases observed in India in 2021. Since then, this variant has spread around the world. As of June 14, the Delta variant has been detected in 74 countries, accounted for over 90% of new cases in the UK and at least 6% of total cases in the US, with estimates going up to 10% .
Much of what we know about the Delta variant comes from Public Health England. It was first detected in the UK towards the end of March 2021, and linked to travel. As of June 9, the number of confirmed or probable cases stood at 42,323, with a well-distributed distribution across the country.
In Canada, Delta was first detected in early April in British Columbia.
Although Alpha is still the most dominant in the country, Delta’s growth has accelerated in many provinces. The number of confirmed cases jumped 66% in Canada last week, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). It is now present in all provinces and at least one of the territories.
Data from Alberta shows the number of cases is doubling every six to twelve days. Ontario has estimated that 40% of its new cases since June 14, 2021 are due to Delta.
Quebec is less affected: there are 35 cases of the Delta variant, especially in Montreal (21) and Montérégie (7), according to the latest data on the website of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec.
It should be noted, however, that the prevalence of Delta is underestimated because an effective screening test has not yet been developed.
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