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Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The public was once again in an uproar with the discovery of a new variant of the corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) that was found for the first time in Britain. The new variant, dubbed B.1.1.7 by scientists from the UK genomics consortium, is linked to a significant increase in daily cases of Covid-19 in several regions.
According to an official report from the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the new variant, also known as the Investigational Variant (VUI 202012/1), is commonly found in the Kent, England area, especially in the age group under 60 years.
Apart from Kent, this variant is also commonly found in Wales, predominantly infecting certain age groups with a median of 41 years (11-71 years). Research is ongoing on the nature of this new variant.
To date, no results have been reported ranging from a worse clinical examination to higher mortality or especially affected groups. The study, conducted by 10 scientists from the UK’s Covid-19 genomic consortium (COG-UK), found that this variant arises due to a mutation.
The study, titled “Preliminary Genomic Characterization of an Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Lineage in the UK Defined by a New Set of Peak Mutations”, says that this variant arises due to genetic changes (mutations) in the Spike protein that it works to infect the host.
There are three genetic changes that were found from this characterization. The first mutations occurred in the amino acid sequences that have the function of binding to receptors in humans and mice.
These mutations are identified as mutations that can increase affinity (ability to bind) with receptors belonging to the host. In this case it is about humans and mice. This high affinity facilitates entry of the virus into the host or host cell, thus increasing the risk of transmission.
Initial reports obtained from the UK indicated that this variant is more contagious than the previously circulating virus with estimated transmission rates between 40% and 70%.
The second genetic change is the elimination (loss) of amino acids in the sequence 69 and 70 in the Spike protein. It is said that this type of mutation can allow the virus to escape from the host’s defense system in some cases.
So the last mutation is an amino acid change in the area near the important functional groups of the SARS-CoV-2 protein. This new variant is also reportedly found in other countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, and even Australia.
Rumors are circulating that in addition to being more contagious, this new variant could also escape more sophisticated detection such as the PCR swab test. However, in reality these rumors are not entirely true.
PCR is one of the most sensitive tools for detecting the virus that causes Covid-19 using its genetic material. However, PCR results are not as simple as the rapid antigen / antibody test that addresses the reactive and non-reactive dichotomy. The test results are not that positive or negative either.
To detect the Corona virus, this genetic material must multiply to reach a certain threshold. The threshold here is generally called the cycle and in medicine it is denoted by Ct.
If the amount of virus infecting a person is large, when a sample is collected and tested from a swab from the throat or nose, the cycle required to amplify the amount until it reaches a lower threshold. Vice versa.
Ct in the case of a clinical test for Covid-19 can also indicate the severity of a person when infected with this malignant pathogen. When interpreting the value of Ct, care must be taken.
According to the Public Health Ontario document, a Ct threshold value greater than 40 indicates that the person is negative for Covid-19. The reason is that it takes at least 40 cycles of amplification of pathogenic genetic material to detect that the Corona virus actually exists.
If a person is tested by PCR and finds that the Ct value is below 40, they can be said to be positive. But there are also those who are known as indeterminate zone when the Ct value is less than 40 but is close to the threshold from 38.1 to 39.9.
To test whether the person is actually infected with Covid-19 or not, the sample must be re-examined. Even if a resampling is necessary.
However, according to dr. Ardiana Kusumaningrum, Sp.MK, Doctor of Clinical Microbiology, RSUI, if Ct value> 34 is said to no longer cause infection. People who are positive for Covid-19 with a high Ct value can undergo independent isolation without treatment.
So far there has not been a full report that discusses the relationship between this new variant of Covid-19 and the possibility that the virus is not detected, considering that the PCR test is not absolutely positive or negative dichotomous. Therefore, the WHO recommends being very careful when testing.
Each test must be really validated and justified.
Another concern is whether the emergence of this new variant renders the vaccine ineffective. The answer is not as simple as being effective or not considering the various vaccine manufacturing (platform) methods themselves.
On the other hand, the genetic sequence of the virus isolate used will also greatly affect whether a vaccine can be used to protect a person from infection with various variants or mutants of the Corona virus.
More laboratory research is needed to understand the impact of specific mutations on viral properties and diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine efficacy. These investigations are complex and require time and collaboration between different research groups.
Efforts are needed to share complete genomic sequences to facilitate detailed analysis by partners. Comprehensive comprehensive sequencing, lineage mapping or virus evolution will be the main capital to provide sensitive diagnostic kits and effective vaccines.
Well, the truth of every rumor out there cannot be swallowed raw. All guesses must be scientifically proven. It also takes time to prove it. But instead of speculating too much about things, prevention is a surefire way to protect yourself and others.
The public must raise awareness to carry out activities according to the indications of the 3M health protocol (wash hands, wear masks and keep distance), while from the government side it must continue to promote 3T (tests, follow-up and treatment).
On the other hand, academics, epidemiologists, public health experts and doctors must work together to continue to carry out monitoring and research related to this coronavirus.
Don’t let 3M get loose, 3T falls short, as the Covid-19 casing continues to set records.
CNBC INDONESIA RESEARCH TEAM
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