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Two of the mutations in the coronavirus that cause Covid-19 are of interest to scientists. One is more prevalent and likely helps the virus spread better, and the other is related to its self-suppressing gene, which was seen in the previous coronavirus epidemic in 2002-2003. This was explained to BNR by Prof. Radostina Alexandrova, Doctor of Virology from the Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Variability is very characteristic of viruses that contain RNA. The current coronavirus is the virus with the largest genome in RNA viruses and has an “editing system” that helps it correct emerging changes that are potential mutations, he explained.
Thus, and because we have not yet countered it through our immune response or some specific drug, it is very stable at the moment. It is estimated that between two and three times, even according to some authors, it has a mutational activity up to 6 times lower than the influenza virus.
Between two viruses, isolated by two people in any two places on the planet, the difference is very small, said Professor Alexandrova in the program “Before everything”. it is written in 30 thousand letters. “
6-7 variants of the virus were distinguished, added Radostina Alexandrova. One of the varieties, for example, is not found in Italy, but is found in France and Germany. There is no evidence that any of them are associated with a more serious clinical picture. The progression of the infection depends on our immune system and genetics.
Two of the mutations are of interest to scientists. One, the most common, occurs at the beginning of the year. In March it occurs in 25% of circulating viruses, in June it reaches three quarters, and then the percentage continues to increase. This mutation likely helps the virus spread better, the scientists suggest.
Viruses have no interest in abruptly changing and most mutations are neutral, Professor Alexandrova said.
The second mutation is in a specific gene of highly pathogenic viruses such as SARS and MERS. Part of this gene has been removed and this happened during the previous coronavirus epidemic in 2002-2003, said Professor Radostina Alexandrova. This mutation is currently found in Taiwan and China. It is assumed that in theory it would be associated with a milder clinical picture.
“We still do not fully know the role of this gene. It is related to the ability of the virus to suppress the natural antiviral immunity of man,” said the virologist. However, the frequency of this mutation already tested at this stage does not change, it does not increase said Professor Alexandrova.
“The fate of the first option, the one closest to the virus that ‘jumped out’ from bats in humans, is about to disappear completely. Which shows that what we are currently facing is not exactly the same virus that started at the beginning, “said Professor Alexandrova.
Scientists working on vaccines have focused on the more conservative parts of the virus, Radostina Alexandrova said.
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