A new strain of COVID-19 with main mutations from beta and delta variants was found in Russia

Scientists led by Professor Paul Savelkaul from Maastricht University have found one of the first

examples of a strain of COVID-19 that combines mutations that increase the infectiousness of the virus.The new sample has mutations from the highly contagious delta strain and the beta variant of the virus, which is weakly affectedantibodies and vaccines.

This type of coronavirus is from the B.1.1 lineage.523, presumably, appeared on the territory of Russia in February of this year. It began to spread actively only in May-June. In the genome of this species there are many mutations characteristic of the beta and delta strains of the virus and associated with an increase in infectivity and a decrease in the effectiveness of vaccines.

research text

The authors note that the new variant appeared inFebruary of this year in Moscow, and then spread throughout Russia, Germany and into other European countries. After this, part of the strain mutated and became similar to the South African beta variant and the Indian delta strain. 

The new strain can hide from the immune system, and the shell has increased infectiousness when entering the body, the researchers note. 

The authors concluded that this variant of the B.1.1.523 strain is dangerous to humanity, so its spread must be monitored especially carefully. 

Read more:

An airplane with articulated wings and a tail appeared. It can take off without a run

The development of AI has reached a critical point. Scientists are asking to take control of technology

The vampire fish uses an original way to move in water